Jo Riggall
@joriggall.bsky.social
Grassland Advocacy Officer @Plantlife
Avid footpath wanderer
Former Civil Servant
Avid footpath wanderer
Former Civil Servant
Thank you for your tireless work on the #PlanningAndInfrastructureBill
And for your clear explainers on how Westminster politics works!
And for your clear explainers on how Westminster politics works!
I've tabled two crucial amendments to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill: enforcing an “overall improvement test" or — if govt keep weakening nature protection — striking out Part 3 so they have to rewrite it. Report Stage is in June; the govt must fix the issues with this Bill before then.
May 23, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Thank you for your tireless work on the #PlanningAndInfrastructureBill
And for your clear explainers on how Westminster politics works!
And for your clear explainers on how Westminster politics works!
A good blog from @linesmartin.bsky.social for @naturalengland.bsky.social on the benefits of nature-friendly farming 🐄🌱🐝
@nffn.bsky.social have other excellent case studies on their website e.g. this one on managing floodplain meadows!
@floodplainmead.bsky.social
www.nffn.org.uk/farmer-stori...
@nffn.bsky.social have other excellent case studies on their website e.g. this one on managing floodplain meadows!
@floodplainmead.bsky.social
www.nffn.org.uk/farmer-stori...
Mixed farming with 100-acres of species-rich floodplain meadows
Read how Debbie Wilkins of Norton Court Farm is adopting regenerative approaches across her mixed arable and livestock farm, including managing species-rich floodplain meadows.
www.nffn.org.uk
May 21, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A good blog from @linesmartin.bsky.social for @naturalengland.bsky.social on the benefits of nature-friendly farming 🐄🌱🐝
@nffn.bsky.social have other excellent case studies on their website e.g. this one on managing floodplain meadows!
@floodplainmead.bsky.social
www.nffn.org.uk/farmer-stori...
@nffn.bsky.social have other excellent case studies on their website e.g. this one on managing floodplain meadows!
@floodplainmead.bsky.social
www.nffn.org.uk/farmer-stori...
Reposted by Jo Riggall
Today, over 20,000 bee species are buzzing for #WorldBeeDay 🐝
Bees & other pollinators keep 80% of crop and wild flowering plants alive.
Yet, 1 in 10 bee, hoverfly, and butterfly species are now at risk of extinction in the EU.
Bees & other pollinators keep 80% of crop and wild flowering plants alive.
Yet, 1 in 10 bee, hoverfly, and butterfly species are now at risk of extinction in the EU.
May 20, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Today, over 20,000 bee species are buzzing for #WorldBeeDay 🐝
Bees & other pollinators keep 80% of crop and wild flowering plants alive.
Yet, 1 in 10 bee, hoverfly, and butterfly species are now at risk of extinction in the EU.
Bees & other pollinators keep 80% of crop and wild flowering plants alive.
Yet, 1 in 10 bee, hoverfly, and butterfly species are now at risk of extinction in the EU.
Species-rich #grasslands are harmed by nitrogen pollution & part of the solution 💪
#GoodNews - management of species-rich grasslands actually removes the need for fertilisers, which release nitrous oxide and ammonia
(We still need to shout about lichens as #airpollution indicators 📢)
#GoodNews - management of species-rich grasslands actually removes the need for fertilisers, which release nitrous oxide and ammonia
(We still need to shout about lichens as #airpollution indicators 📢)
❓Do you know the effects of #AirPollution on #nature?
Annual surveys from 2021-2024 found 73-80% of the public think it’s important to reduce air pollution as it impacts nature as well as #HumanHealth 🫀
Learn more 👉 jncc.gov.uk/our-work/cle... #ActionForCleanAir
Annual surveys from 2021-2024 found 73-80% of the public think it’s important to reduce air pollution as it impacts nature as well as #HumanHealth 🫀
Learn more 👉 jncc.gov.uk/our-work/cle... #ActionForCleanAir
April 9, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Species-rich #grasslands are harmed by nitrogen pollution & part of the solution 💪
#GoodNews - management of species-rich grasslands actually removes the need for fertilisers, which release nitrous oxide and ammonia
(We still need to shout about lichens as #airpollution indicators 📢)
#GoodNews - management of species-rich grasslands actually removes the need for fertilisers, which release nitrous oxide and ammonia
(We still need to shout about lichens as #airpollution indicators 📢)
Species-rich #grasslands store more carbon p/ha than more intensive & monoculture grasslands
Our briefing 👉 urldn.com/dAImN
Good to see @emmahardymp.bsky.social PQ response highlight carbon storage potential in species-rich grassland & acknowledge work on evidence gaps
urldn.com/elk9T
But...
1/2
Our briefing 👉 urldn.com/dAImN
Good to see @emmahardymp.bsky.social PQ response highlight carbon storage potential in species-rich grassland & acknowledge work on evidence gaps
urldn.com/elk9T
But...
1/2
March 12, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Species-rich #grasslands store more carbon p/ha than more intensive & monoculture grasslands
Our briefing 👉 urldn.com/dAImN
Good to see @emmahardymp.bsky.social PQ response highlight carbon storage potential in species-rich grassland & acknowledge work on evidence gaps
urldn.com/elk9T
But...
1/2
Our briefing 👉 urldn.com/dAImN
Good to see @emmahardymp.bsky.social PQ response highlight carbon storage potential in species-rich grassland & acknowledge work on evidence gaps
urldn.com/elk9T
But...
1/2
Reposted by Jo Riggall
Welcome to BlueSky @sallynex.bsky.social nature gardener extraordinaire!
March 7, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Welcome to BlueSky @sallynex.bsky.social nature gardener extraordinaire!
So cruel that we could only choose one book @plantlifeuk.bsky.social 😭
Happy #WorldBookDay!📖
From novels about fairies to information about prickly pears, we asked some of our staff which books they absolutely loved & their recommendations did not disappoint📚
Check out what they've suggested🌸
What's your favourite book?👇
#WorldBookDay2025
From novels about fairies to information about prickly pears, we asked some of our staff which books they absolutely loved & their recommendations did not disappoint📚
Check out what they've suggested🌸
What's your favourite book?👇
#WorldBookDay2025
March 6, 2025 at 2:13 PM
So cruel that we could only choose one book @plantlifeuk.bsky.social 😭
Stories and on-the-ground experience can be persuasive
So it's good to see @naturalengland.bsky.social spotlight the role of fantastic NE advise in supporting farmers in their nature-friendly farming journey
Particularly to manage species-rich #grassland in CSHT
https:/linkcuts.org/8zxtc1ee
So it's good to see @naturalengland.bsky.social spotlight the role of fantastic NE advise in supporting farmers in their nature-friendly farming journey
Particularly to manage species-rich #grassland in CSHT
https:/linkcuts.org/8zxtc1ee
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier: Supporting farmers and land managers to deliver nature friendly farming
By Peter Craven, Head of Agriculture At Natural England, we know that farming and nature can thrive together, and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) is here to help make that happen. Whether ...
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk
March 4, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Stories and on-the-ground experience can be persuasive
So it's good to see @naturalengland.bsky.social spotlight the role of fantastic NE advise in supporting farmers in their nature-friendly farming journey
Particularly to manage species-rich #grassland in CSHT
https:/linkcuts.org/8zxtc1ee
So it's good to see @naturalengland.bsky.social spotlight the role of fantastic NE advise in supporting farmers in their nature-friendly farming journey
Particularly to manage species-rich #grassland in CSHT
https:/linkcuts.org/8zxtc1ee
✨Sunlight shining through blossom micro-season✨
🧘♂️
🧘♂️
March 3, 2025 at 9:53 AM
✨Sunlight shining through blossom micro-season✨
🧘♂️
🧘♂️
Reposted by Jo Riggall
✨ Do you know the connection between our wild plants and tomorrow's Planetary Parade? ✨🌌
All seven planets in our solar system will align tomorrow in a rare celestial event!
To celebrate, we wanted to explore the plants that are connected to our planets through mythology✨
#PlanetaryParade
1/3👇
All seven planets in our solar system will align tomorrow in a rare celestial event!
To celebrate, we wanted to explore the plants that are connected to our planets through mythology✨
#PlanetaryParade
1/3👇
February 27, 2025 at 12:44 PM
✨ Do you know the connection between our wild plants and tomorrow's Planetary Parade? ✨🌌
All seven planets in our solar system will align tomorrow in a rare celestial event!
To celebrate, we wanted to explore the plants that are connected to our planets through mythology✨
#PlanetaryParade
1/3👇
All seven planets in our solar system will align tomorrow in a rare celestial event!
To celebrate, we wanted to explore the plants that are connected to our planets through mythology✨
#PlanetaryParade
1/3👇
Reposted by Jo Riggall
Why is there no person or team at Defra working specifically on grasslands, when they cover at least 40% of England?🚨
In an open letter, we're calling on the UK Gov to urgently address this & fully realise the value of grasslands now🌱
Learn more
👉 www.plantlife.org.uk/our-work/the...
In an open letter, we're calling on the UK Gov to urgently address this & fully realise the value of grasslands now🌱
Learn more
👉 www.plantlife.org.uk/our-work/the...
February 25, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Why is there no person or team at Defra working specifically on grasslands, when they cover at least 40% of England?🚨
In an open letter, we're calling on the UK Gov to urgently address this & fully realise the value of grasslands now🌱
Learn more
👉 www.plantlife.org.uk/our-work/the...
In an open letter, we're calling on the UK Gov to urgently address this & fully realise the value of grasslands now🌱
Learn more
👉 www.plantlife.org.uk/our-work/the...
Reposted by Jo Riggall
Celebrate World Wetlands Day by showing some love for floodplain meadows—sustainable, biodiverse agricultural systems that excel in ecosystem services. We think they're great 🥰Learn more here https://buff.ly/3PVbbJK #naturalfloodmanagement #WWD2025 #WetlandsCOP15
February 2, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Celebrate World Wetlands Day by showing some love for floodplain meadows—sustainable, biodiverse agricultural systems that excel in ecosystem services. We think they're great 🥰Learn more here https://buff.ly/3PVbbJK #naturalfloodmanagement #WWD2025 #WetlandsCOP15
It's the 2nd Reading of the vital #ClimateAndNatureBill
Thank you @rozsavagemp.bsky.social & @zero-hour.bsky.social for all your work, & @carolinelucas.bsky.social @alexsobel.co.uk for previously bringing the bill forward
All eyes on @labouruk.bsky.social to vote in support 👀
Thank you @rozsavagemp.bsky.social & @zero-hour.bsky.social for all your work, & @carolinelucas.bsky.social @alexsobel.co.uk for previously bringing the bill forward
All eyes on @labouruk.bsky.social to vote in support 👀
January 24, 2025 at 9:48 AM
It's the 2nd Reading of the vital #ClimateAndNatureBill
Thank you @rozsavagemp.bsky.social & @zero-hour.bsky.social for all your work, & @carolinelucas.bsky.social @alexsobel.co.uk for previously bringing the bill forward
All eyes on @labouruk.bsky.social to vote in support 👀
Thank you @rozsavagemp.bsky.social & @zero-hour.bsky.social for all your work, & @carolinelucas.bsky.social @alexsobel.co.uk for previously bringing the bill forward
All eyes on @labouruk.bsky.social to vote in support 👀
Wonderful to see @huwirrancadaviesms.bsky.social mention @welshgovernment.bsky.social 's support for wildlife-rich #grasslands
Statement to the Senedd on restoring nature
'By changing the way we mow...the roadside verges of Denbighshire, we have helped make them more friendly for pollinators'
Statement to the Senedd on restoring nature
'By changing the way we mow...the roadside verges of Denbighshire, we have helped make them more friendly for pollinators'
January 23, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Wonderful to see @huwirrancadaviesms.bsky.social mention @welshgovernment.bsky.social 's support for wildlife-rich #grasslands
Statement to the Senedd on restoring nature
'By changing the way we mow...the roadside verges of Denbighshire, we have helped make them more friendly for pollinators'
Statement to the Senedd on restoring nature
'By changing the way we mow...the roadside verges of Denbighshire, we have helped make them more friendly for pollinators'
Really informative webinar, thank you
Also, my favourite quote:
'We need farmers who are driving tractors in the field to also drive change' 🚜🐄🌼
Also, my favourite quote:
'We need farmers who are driving tractors in the field to also drive change' 🚜🐄🌼
Fascinating to hear from Dame Glenys Stacey this morning on the Office for Environmental Protection's new progress report on the Environmental Improvement Plan
Govt needs to "speed up, scale up, and make sure its plans stack up” she says
Thanks to Vice Chair @werahobhouse.bsky.social for chairing!
Govt needs to "speed up, scale up, and make sure its plans stack up” she says
Thanks to Vice Chair @werahobhouse.bsky.social for chairing!
January 21, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Really informative webinar, thank you
Also, my favourite quote:
'We need farmers who are driving tractors in the field to also drive change' 🚜🐄🌼
Also, my favourite quote:
'We need farmers who are driving tractors in the field to also drive change' 🚜🐄🌼
Absolutely, this! 👇
And then there's no additional nutrient benefits for humans eating the meat & dairy
Pasture for Life write about human health benefits of livestock fed on more diverse pastures
E.g. higher Omega-3 fatty acids
www.pastureforlife.org/research/res...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
And then there's no additional nutrient benefits for humans eating the meat & dairy
Pasture for Life write about human health benefits of livestock fed on more diverse pastures
E.g. higher Omega-3 fatty acids
www.pastureforlife.org/research/res...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
January 21, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Absolutely, this! 👇
And then there's no additional nutrient benefits for humans eating the meat & dairy
Pasture for Life write about human health benefits of livestock fed on more diverse pastures
E.g. higher Omega-3 fatty acids
www.pastureforlife.org/research/res...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
And then there's no additional nutrient benefits for humans eating the meat & dairy
Pasture for Life write about human health benefits of livestock fed on more diverse pastures
E.g. higher Omega-3 fatty acids
www.pastureforlife.org/research/res...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
EFRA Committee's oral evidence session with Defra officials into 'the future of farming' 14th Jan
committees.parliament.uk/event/22329/...
🌿Land Use Framework consultation expected in Feb
🌿Defra will be publishing progress on how #ELM actions contribute to environmental objectives
committees.parliament.uk/event/22329/...
🌿Land Use Framework consultation expected in Feb
🌿Defra will be publishing progress on how #ELM actions contribute to environmental objectives
14 January 2025 - The future of farming - Oral evidence - Committees - UK Parliament
09:30 - Room 6, Palace of Westminster
committees.parliament.uk
January 15, 2025 at 2:31 PM
EFRA Committee's oral evidence session with Defra officials into 'the future of farming' 14th Jan
committees.parliament.uk/event/22329/...
🌿Land Use Framework consultation expected in Feb
🌿Defra will be publishing progress on how #ELM actions contribute to environmental objectives
committees.parliament.uk/event/22329/...
🌿Land Use Framework consultation expected in Feb
🌿Defra will be publishing progress on how #ELM actions contribute to environmental objectives
The #CANBill is an obvious moment for the UK Government to put in place meaningful & joined-up actions for both nature recovery & climate action
🌱Like managing species-rich #grasslands
That's why @plantlifeuk.bsky.social is backing the CAN Bill 💪
🌱Like managing species-rich #grasslands
That's why @plantlifeuk.bsky.social is backing the CAN Bill 💪
Good letter in @theguardian.com from Roger Mortlock of Campaign To Protect Rural England, COOK Trading's Rosie Brown, Permaculture Association's Andy Goldring, Julia Kirby-Smith of @betterfoodtraders.bsky.social, Real Farming Trust's Robert Fraser and Suzy Russell of Community Supported Agriculture.
Farmers need help to adapt to climate crisis | Letter
Letter: Food and farming campaigners urge politicians to support the forthcoming climate and nature bill
www.theguardian.com
January 14, 2025 at 4:36 PM
The #CANBill is an obvious moment for the UK Government to put in place meaningful & joined-up actions for both nature recovery & climate action
🌱Like managing species-rich #grasslands
That's why @plantlifeuk.bsky.social is backing the CAN Bill 💪
🌱Like managing species-rich #grasslands
That's why @plantlifeuk.bsky.social is backing the CAN Bill 💪
Interesting read about benefits to a farm business of carbon accounting
Managing low-input, more semi-natural pastures & meadows not only saves on fuel & fertiliser, but also sequesters more carbon than improves #grassland
Food & farmers ✅
Climate ✅
Nature ✅
Managing low-input, more semi-natural pastures & meadows not only saves on fuel & fertiliser, but also sequesters more carbon than improves #grassland
Food & farmers ✅
Climate ✅
Nature ✅
Latest from me on carbon accountability and all that jazz in @farmersweeklyuk.bsky.social this week
January 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Interesting read about benefits to a farm business of carbon accounting
Managing low-input, more semi-natural pastures & meadows not only saves on fuel & fertiliser, but also sequesters more carbon than improves #grassland
Food & farmers ✅
Climate ✅
Nature ✅
Managing low-input, more semi-natural pastures & meadows not only saves on fuel & fertiliser, but also sequesters more carbon than improves #grassland
Food & farmers ✅
Climate ✅
Nature ✅
Reposted by Jo Riggall
From today's #DailyNewsDigest📰: "We need seismic shift in the level of support for farming practices which deliver measurable benefits to nature, climate, human health and well-being, to ensure these systems are most profitable."
@farmersguardian.bsky.social
www.farmersguardian.com/blog/4394766...
@farmersguardian.bsky.social
www.farmersguardian.com/blog/4394766...
Patrick Holden:
Founder of the Sustainable Food Trust Patrick Holden said Steve Reed missed an opportunity to show more support for the industry in his speech at the Oxford Farming Conference
www.farmersguardian.com
January 14, 2025 at 2:45 PM
From today's #DailyNewsDigest📰: "We need seismic shift in the level of support for farming practices which deliver measurable benefits to nature, climate, human health and well-being, to ensure these systems are most profitable."
@farmersguardian.bsky.social
www.farmersguardian.com/blog/4394766...
@farmersguardian.bsky.social
www.farmersguardian.com/blog/4394766...
Reposted by Jo Riggall
🙌We're delighted to welcome a full house for our ORFC session on grazing livestock and how they can deliver benefits for nature when done right.
You can also find us at #ORFC25 tomorrow for a wool workshop and the 'Land, Food, Spirit' session sustainablefoodtrust.org/event/oxford...
You can also find us at #ORFC25 tomorrow for a wool workshop and the 'Land, Food, Spirit' session sustainablefoodtrust.org/event/oxford...
January 9, 2025 at 4:28 PM
🙌We're delighted to welcome a full house for our ORFC session on grazing livestock and how they can deliver benefits for nature when done right.
You can also find us at #ORFC25 tomorrow for a wool workshop and the 'Land, Food, Spirit' session sustainablefoodtrust.org/event/oxford...
You can also find us at #ORFC25 tomorrow for a wool workshop and the 'Land, Food, Spirit' session sustainablefoodtrust.org/event/oxford...
Key things I heard frm #Defra DD Jonathan Baker at #ORFC25
🌱After NAO report on #ELM , Ministers asked officials to map how ELM actions would contribute to #EIP and climate targets
🌱Defra is testing ideas this spring to develop their new Farming Roadmap
Didn't hear grassland mentioned 🧐
🌱After NAO report on #ELM , Ministers asked officials to map how ELM actions would contribute to #EIP and climate targets
🌱Defra is testing ideas this spring to develop their new Farming Roadmap
Didn't hear grassland mentioned 🧐
January 10, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Reposted by Jo Riggall
We were recently involved in creating this discussion paper on defining ancient grassland for @plantlifeuk.bsky.social. Some of our surviving floodplain meadows escaped the Enclosure Acts and have remained largely unchanged for centuries 🥰
A practical definition for better ID and protection of British ancient grasslands is discussed in this recent @plantlifeuk.bsky.social @britishecolsoc.bsky.social discussion paper by @caroline-orourke.bsky.social, D. Gowing, G. Griffith, @bsbiscience.bsky.social: www.plantlife.org.uk/wp-content/u...
January 8, 2025 at 2:03 PM
We were recently involved in creating this discussion paper on defining ancient grassland for @plantlifeuk.bsky.social. Some of our surviving floodplain meadows escaped the Enclosure Acts and have remained largely unchanged for centuries 🥰
I'm on the way to the #ORFC so excited to have my brain munched, grazed, & trampled on with exciting new ideas! Just like livestock grazing...
... which is what I'll be speaking about on for @plantlifeuk.bsky.social on @susfoodtrust.bsky.social panel about grazing livestock for biodiversity 🐄
... which is what I'll be speaking about on for @plantlifeuk.bsky.social on @susfoodtrust.bsky.social panel about grazing livestock for biodiversity 🐄
🙌 We're looking forward to attending the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) in the New Year!
We're taking part in four sessions at #ORFC. Save this post so you can come back to it and know when and where to find us. 🔎
🔗 More info about our sessions here: sustainablefoodtrust.org/event/oxford...
We're taking part in four sessions at #ORFC. Save this post so you can come back to it and know when and where to find us. 🔎
🔗 More info about our sessions here: sustainablefoodtrust.org/event/oxford...
January 8, 2025 at 2:46 PM
I'm on the way to the #ORFC so excited to have my brain munched, grazed, & trampled on with exciting new ideas! Just like livestock grazing...
... which is what I'll be speaking about on for @plantlifeuk.bsky.social on @susfoodtrust.bsky.social panel about grazing livestock for biodiversity 🐄
... which is what I'll be speaking about on for @plantlifeuk.bsky.social on @susfoodtrust.bsky.social panel about grazing livestock for biodiversity 🐄