Jim Horsfall
@jimhorsfall.bsky.social
A naturalist, conservationist, Yorkshireman, father and more. A slacker who can't sit still.
Particularly interested in plants, water beetles, fungi and moths.
Prone to spelling mistakes.
Particularly interested in plants, water beetles, fungi and moths.
Prone to spelling mistakes.
Only one moth in my suburban trap this morning, a Spring Usher.
I didn't trap in December as my neighbour had so many lights for nearly all of December I thought my trap wouldn't compete! So glad to at least get 1 moth.
@bcyorkshire.bsky.social @wildsheffield.bsky.social
I didn't trap in December as my neighbour had so many lights for nearly all of December I thought my trap wouldn't compete! So glad to at least get 1 moth.
@bcyorkshire.bsky.social @wildsheffield.bsky.social
January 17, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Only one moth in my suburban trap this morning, a Spring Usher.
I didn't trap in December as my neighbour had so many lights for nearly all of December I thought my trap wouldn't compete! So glad to at least get 1 moth.
@bcyorkshire.bsky.social @wildsheffield.bsky.social
I didn't trap in December as my neighbour had so many lights for nearly all of December I thought my trap wouldn't compete! So glad to at least get 1 moth.
@bcyorkshire.bsky.social @wildsheffield.bsky.social
I stopped for 5 min on @naturalengland.bsky.social Hatfield Moor on the way to the Buddhist retreat at Lindholme.
Strange look to the place here, an area that had a big fire a few years ago. The lack of tree regrowth is possibly positive sign this lowland bog is wet enough to prevent succession.
Strange look to the place here, an area that had a big fire a few years ago. The lack of tree regrowth is possibly positive sign this lowland bog is wet enough to prevent succession.
January 8, 2026 at 6:28 PM
I stopped for 5 min on @naturalengland.bsky.social Hatfield Moor on the way to the Buddhist retreat at Lindholme.
Strange look to the place here, an area that had a big fire a few years ago. The lack of tree regrowth is possibly positive sign this lowland bog is wet enough to prevent succession.
Strange look to the place here, an area that had a big fire a few years ago. The lack of tree regrowth is possibly positive sign this lowland bog is wet enough to prevent succession.
A quick wander to the pond near my Dad's, the pond was too icy for many invertebrates, but had a few Minnows active. Snipe and Brown Hare too.
Winter midges about in the shafts of sun along a hedge, and a couple of Goldcrests flitting about to get them.
Nice winter walk @yorkswildlife.bsky.social
Winter midges about in the shafts of sun along a hedge, and a couple of Goldcrests flitting about to get them.
Nice winter walk @yorkswildlife.bsky.social
December 27, 2025 at 1:07 PM
A quick wander to the pond near my Dad's, the pond was too icy for many invertebrates, but had a few Minnows active. Snipe and Brown Hare too.
Winter midges about in the shafts of sun along a hedge, and a couple of Goldcrests flitting about to get them.
Nice winter walk @yorkswildlife.bsky.social
Winter midges about in the shafts of sun along a hedge, and a couple of Goldcrests flitting about to get them.
Nice winter walk @yorkswildlife.bsky.social
I went to check on the ponies on Huxterwell marsh today. Despite giving us the run around last week, today they were my friends and came to investigate
They are doing a good job of grazing the wetland, but this grassy area in the middle is their favourite hangout
@yorkswildlife.bsky.social
They are doing a good job of grazing the wetland, but this grassy area in the middle is their favourite hangout
@yorkswildlife.bsky.social
December 22, 2025 at 7:25 PM
I went to check on the ponies on Huxterwell marsh today. Despite giving us the run around last week, today they were my friends and came to investigate
They are doing a good job of grazing the wetland, but this grassy area in the middle is their favourite hangout
@yorkswildlife.bsky.social
They are doing a good job of grazing the wetland, but this grassy area in the middle is their favourite hangout
@yorkswildlife.bsky.social
The wetland restoration at work is nearly finished. Much more open water now. Once the sluice boards are put back in and the level rises on this lake there should be a mix of depths and plenty of opportunities for aquatic plants, invertebrates and the birds that eat them.
@donnybirding.bsky.social
@donnybirding.bsky.social
December 21, 2025 at 6:51 PM
The wetland restoration at work is nearly finished. Much more open water now. Once the sluice boards are put back in and the level rises on this lake there should be a mix of depths and plenty of opportunities for aquatic plants, invertebrates and the birds that eat them.
@donnybirding.bsky.social
@donnybirding.bsky.social
I've recorded wildlife for many years, starting with pen and paper, but in the last several years mostly recording on apps. (I still use paper to tally my moth trap findings).
I can't imagine being bothered to write down 8,000 records in a year before apps. It surely has made a big impact!
I can't imagine being bothered to write down 8,000 records in a year before apps. It surely has made a big impact!
December 20, 2025 at 8:55 AM
I've recorded wildlife for many years, starting with pen and paper, but in the last several years mostly recording on apps. (I still use paper to tally my moth trap findings).
I can't imagine being bothered to write down 8,000 records in a year before apps. It surely has made a big impact!
I can't imagine being bothered to write down 8,000 records in a year before apps. It surely has made a big impact!
The new @bsbibotany.bsky.social handbook on roses arrived today. I'm looking forward to trying to find a few species next year.
Hopefully with some @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social and @ynuorg.bsky.social friends.
Hopefully with some @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social and @ynuorg.bsky.social friends.
December 13, 2025 at 10:38 AM
The new @bsbibotany.bsky.social handbook on roses arrived today. I'm looking forward to trying to find a few species next year.
Hopefully with some @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social and @ynuorg.bsky.social friends.
Hopefully with some @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social and @ynuorg.bsky.social friends.
To maintain wetlands at early succession state, for the benefit of birds (and those that want to watch them), sometimes you need to radically reset the state of the habitat.
Here a digger is scraping out the reeds and accumulated silt in this shallow lake (shallow water succeeds much quicker).
Here a digger is scraping out the reeds and accumulated silt in this shallow lake (shallow water succeeds much quicker).
December 13, 2025 at 9:12 AM
To maintain wetlands at early succession state, for the benefit of birds (and those that want to watch them), sometimes you need to radically reset the state of the habitat.
Here a digger is scraping out the reeds and accumulated silt in this shallow lake (shallow water succeeds much quicker).
Here a digger is scraping out the reeds and accumulated silt in this shallow lake (shallow water succeeds much quicker).
I am aware of how strange it is to be excited to find a dead hornet, take it home and stick a pin through it.
It's doesn't mean I'll stop doing it though.
It dwarfs all the other hymenopterans I have specimens of. A giant predator of the insects.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
@ynuorg.bsky.social
It's doesn't mean I'll stop doing it though.
It dwarfs all the other hymenopterans I have specimens of. A giant predator of the insects.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
@ynuorg.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 10:50 AM
I am aware of how strange it is to be excited to find a dead hornet, take it home and stick a pin through it.
It's doesn't mean I'll stop doing it though.
It dwarfs all the other hymenopterans I have specimens of. A giant predator of the insects.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
@ynuorg.bsky.social
It's doesn't mean I'll stop doing it though.
It dwarfs all the other hymenopterans I have specimens of. A giant predator of the insects.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
@ynuorg.bsky.social
We moved the cattle from the south to the north side of the river Went yesterday. And added a few new cattle to the herd (now 10 here).
They have reign over a few fields at the moment, including this steep limestone pasture. One of the best fields in Yorkshire for flora.
#BrockadaleNatureReserve
They have reign over a few fields at the moment, including this steep limestone pasture. One of the best fields in Yorkshire for flora.
#BrockadaleNatureReserve
November 28, 2025 at 8:18 AM
We moved the cattle from the south to the north side of the river Went yesterday. And added a few new cattle to the herd (now 10 here).
They have reign over a few fields at the moment, including this steep limestone pasture. One of the best fields in Yorkshire for flora.
#BrockadaleNatureReserve
They have reign over a few fields at the moment, including this steep limestone pasture. One of the best fields in Yorkshire for flora.
#BrockadaleNatureReserve
The soft magnesian limestone doesn't have as many cliffs as the harder carboniferous. But there are a couple of cliffs at Brockadale.
Looks like lower one is just used for roosting, much more poo at high one suggests nesting site.
A pair of kestrel here now and earlier (in the summer).
Looks like lower one is just used for roosting, much more poo at high one suggests nesting site.
A pair of kestrel here now and earlier (in the summer).
November 26, 2025 at 7:33 AM
The soft magnesian limestone doesn't have as many cliffs as the harder carboniferous. But there are a couple of cliffs at Brockadale.
Looks like lower one is just used for roosting, much more poo at high one suggests nesting site.
A pair of kestrel here now and earlier (in the summer).
Looks like lower one is just used for roosting, much more poo at high one suggests nesting site.
A pair of kestrel here now and earlier (in the summer).
The weather was very heavy showers today, so just went for a wander near home. I'm lucky to have Ancient Woodlands and a very large park nearby.
The sound and sight of the city is never far away, but I can still get lost in a quiet corner (mentally, usually not physically!)
#Sheffield
The sound and sight of the city is never far away, but I can still get lost in a quiet corner (mentally, usually not physically!)
#Sheffield
November 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM
The weather was very heavy showers today, so just went for a wander near home. I'm lucky to have Ancient Woodlands and a very large park nearby.
The sound and sight of the city is never far away, but I can still get lost in a quiet corner (mentally, usually not physically!)
#Sheffield
The sound and sight of the city is never far away, but I can still get lost in a quiet corner (mentally, usually not physically!)
#Sheffield
How many people walk past the ridge and furrow landforms at Grave's Park in Sheffield and don't see the historic use for arable cultivation? Or the charcoal pits in nearby woods?
youtu.be/6pkWmMmv8bY?...
@billsutherland.bsky.social here explains how you can read a landscape and it's history.
youtu.be/6pkWmMmv8bY?...
@billsutherland.bsky.social here explains how you can read a landscape and it's history.
November 23, 2025 at 3:40 PM
How many people walk past the ridge and furrow landforms at Grave's Park in Sheffield and don't see the historic use for arable cultivation? Or the charcoal pits in nearby woods?
youtu.be/6pkWmMmv8bY?...
@billsutherland.bsky.social here explains how you can read a landscape and it's history.
youtu.be/6pkWmMmv8bY?...
@billsutherland.bsky.social here explains how you can read a landscape and it's history.
November isn't the best time for trapping flying insects, but I trap for 24hrs once a month as part of the Bioscan project. I took the trap in yesterday, and despite the turn to colder weather there was enough sunshine and warmth for a few (mostly very small) things. 🔎
November 19, 2025 at 7:51 PM
November isn't the best time for trapping flying insects, but I trap for 24hrs once a month as part of the Bioscan project. I took the trap in yesterday, and despite the turn to colder weather there was enough sunshine and warmth for a few (mostly very small) things. 🔎
Three common galls on the same oak leaf from a lunchtime walk in the Moss Valley.
The large globular one is a Cherry Gall, on the right is a flat disc, the Spangle Gall, and the right the small doughnut shaped Silk-button Gall.
You'll almost certainly be able to find these near you if you look.
The large globular one is a Cherry Gall, on the right is a flat disc, the Spangle Gall, and the right the small doughnut shaped Silk-button Gall.
You'll almost certainly be able to find these near you if you look.
November 12, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Three common galls on the same oak leaf from a lunchtime walk in the Moss Valley.
The large globular one is a Cherry Gall, on the right is a flat disc, the Spangle Gall, and the right the small doughnut shaped Silk-button Gall.
You'll almost certainly be able to find these near you if you look.
The large globular one is a Cherry Gall, on the right is a flat disc, the Spangle Gall, and the right the small doughnut shaped Silk-button Gall.
You'll almost certainly be able to find these near you if you look.
I was up in Wensleydale today, so called in at a @yorkswildlife.bsky.social nature reserve I've not been to before, Leyburn Old Glebe.
It's best known for its flowers, but actually had a few waxcaps today. Enough to encourage someone to go back next year (I'm not close enough).
It's best known for its flowers, but actually had a few waxcaps today. Enough to encourage someone to go back next year (I'm not close enough).
November 9, 2025 at 6:25 PM
I was up in Wensleydale today, so called in at a @yorkswildlife.bsky.social nature reserve I've not been to before, Leyburn Old Glebe.
It's best known for its flowers, but actually had a few waxcaps today. Enough to encourage someone to go back next year (I'm not close enough).
It's best known for its flowers, but actually had a few waxcaps today. Enough to encourage someone to go back next year (I'm not close enough).
I found this enormous Pike this afternoon, looks like it may have been eaten by an Otter. I'm not sure anything else can taken in a 4'6" long Pike and would eat the insides. It didn't smell much so was fairly fresh.
Anyone seen anything to suggest something different? @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
Anyone seen anything to suggest something different? @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 7:04 PM
I found this enormous Pike this afternoon, looks like it may have been eaten by an Otter. I'm not sure anything else can taken in a 4'6" long Pike and would eat the insides. It didn't smell much so was fairly fresh.
Anyone seen anything to suggest something different? @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
Anyone seen anything to suggest something different? @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
I put out a moth trap more in hope than expectation last night. So only one macro, a Red-green Carpet, was ok with me.
Today I found some Yellow-flowered Strawberry spreading about in a churchyard at Dronfield. New for me.
Wildlife is endlessly interesting. Always something new or surprising.
Today I found some Yellow-flowered Strawberry spreading about in a churchyard at Dronfield. New for me.
Wildlife is endlessly interesting. Always something new or surprising.
November 5, 2025 at 6:54 PM
I put out a moth trap more in hope than expectation last night. So only one macro, a Red-green Carpet, was ok with me.
Today I found some Yellow-flowered Strawberry spreading about in a churchyard at Dronfield. New for me.
Wildlife is endlessly interesting. Always something new or surprising.
Today I found some Yellow-flowered Strawberry spreading about in a churchyard at Dronfield. New for me.
Wildlife is endlessly interesting. Always something new or surprising.
A few fungi from a walk at Ladies Spring Wood, Sheffield today.
Wrinkled Peach, Common Funnel, Wood Blewit and Honey Fungus.
Honey Fungus seems to be taking advantage of of stressed trees from the summer drought, as it's common this autumn.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
Wrinkled Peach, Common Funnel, Wood Blewit and Honey Fungus.
Honey Fungus seems to be taking advantage of of stressed trees from the summer drought, as it's common this autumn.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 4:12 PM
A few fungi from a walk at Ladies Spring Wood, Sheffield today.
Wrinkled Peach, Common Funnel, Wood Blewit and Honey Fungus.
Honey Fungus seems to be taking advantage of of stressed trees from the summer drought, as it's common this autumn.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
Wrinkled Peach, Common Funnel, Wood Blewit and Honey Fungus.
Honey Fungus seems to be taking advantage of of stressed trees from the summer drought, as it's common this autumn.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
Calling all @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social @ynuorg.bsky.social @yorkswildlife.bsky.social members, there is a great indoor workshop on soliderflies coming up soon. I'll be there, and hope to see you too!
www.ywt.org.uk/events/2025-...
Or DM me for details
@uk-soldierflies.bsky.social
www.ywt.org.uk/events/2025-...
Or DM me for details
@uk-soldierflies.bsky.social
Soldierfly ID Workshop (YWT Member's Exclusive Event) | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Learn how to ID specimens of soldierflies with expert Yorkshire naturalist Derek Whiteley.
www.ywt.org.uk
October 25, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Calling all @sorbynathissoc.bsky.social @ynuorg.bsky.social @yorkswildlife.bsky.social members, there is a great indoor workshop on soliderflies coming up soon. I'll be there, and hope to see you too!
www.ywt.org.uk/events/2025-...
Or DM me for details
@uk-soldierflies.bsky.social
www.ywt.org.uk/events/2025-...
Or DM me for details
@uk-soldierflies.bsky.social
Possibly a new (to me) pinkgill, Entoloma violaceoserrulatum, found in my local cemetery. But pinkgills are tricky, and impossible to be sure without microscopy.
The photo doesn't do the indigo colour of the stem justice.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
The photo doesn't do the indigo colour of the stem justice.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Possibly a new (to me) pinkgill, Entoloma violaceoserrulatum, found in my local cemetery. But pinkgills are tricky, and impossible to be sure without microscopy.
The photo doesn't do the indigo colour of the stem justice.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
The photo doesn't do the indigo colour of the stem justice.
@sorbynathissoc.bsky.social
A quiet moth trap this morning, and Autumn species. Perhaps a little too cold for many things?
Merveille du jour is always a nice surprise.
Merveille du jour is always a nice surprise.
October 17, 2025 at 9:58 AM
A quiet moth trap this morning, and Autumn species. Perhaps a little too cold for many things?
Merveille du jour is always a nice surprise.
Merveille du jour is always a nice surprise.
Grassland fungi are not as showy as usual this year. I had to do a lot of searching to find not many species today. A bit more rain should bring more out hopefully.
Meadow Coral, an undetermined Earth-tongue (finger for scale, this is a big one), Blackening Waxcap.
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
Meadow Coral, an undetermined Earth-tongue (finger for scale, this is a big one), Blackening Waxcap.
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
October 15, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Grassland fungi are not as showy as usual this year. I had to do a lot of searching to find not many species today. A bit more rain should bring more out hopefully.
Meadow Coral, an undetermined Earth-tongue (finger for scale, this is a big one), Blackening Waxcap.
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
Meadow Coral, an undetermined Earth-tongue (finger for scale, this is a big one), Blackening Waxcap.
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
Has anyone else noticed bladderwort appearing where pre planted coir mats or rolls have been used? I can't be certain that's the source, but noticed this twice now.
(Not sure which species this one is. But the other was U australis).
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @ynuorg.bsky.social
(Not sure which species this one is. But the other was U australis).
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @ynuorg.bsky.social
October 14, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Has anyone else noticed bladderwort appearing where pre planted coir mats or rolls have been used? I can't be certain that's the source, but noticed this twice now.
(Not sure which species this one is. But the other was U australis).
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @ynuorg.bsky.social
(Not sure which species this one is. But the other was U australis).
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @ynuorg.bsky.social
Rove beetles are the odd beetles that don't look like beetles. Their wing cases being short and their abdomen is on show, unlike other beetles.
This large beast is a Devil's Coach Horse, and is a predator of other invertebrates.
See at @wildsheffield.bsky.social 's Blackamoor nature reserve
This large beast is a Devil's Coach Horse, and is a predator of other invertebrates.
See at @wildsheffield.bsky.social 's Blackamoor nature reserve
October 8, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Rove beetles are the odd beetles that don't look like beetles. Their wing cases being short and their abdomen is on show, unlike other beetles.
This large beast is a Devil's Coach Horse, and is a predator of other invertebrates.
See at @wildsheffield.bsky.social 's Blackamoor nature reserve
This large beast is a Devil's Coach Horse, and is a predator of other invertebrates.
See at @wildsheffield.bsky.social 's Blackamoor nature reserve