Liam Olds
@liamolds.bsky.social
🦋 Entomologist | Invertebrate Ecologist
🏴 Director of @gloinatur.bsky.social
🐝 Passion for brownfields & wild bees
🪲 Organiser of UK Oil Beetle Recording Scheme
📌 South Wales
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #SouthWalesValleys
🔗 gloinatur.org
🏴 Director of @gloinatur.bsky.social
🐝 Passion for brownfields & wild bees
🪲 Organiser of UK Oil Beetle Recording Scheme
📌 South Wales
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #SouthWalesValleys
🔗 gloinatur.org
Reposted by Liam Olds
🦡 A special visitor caught on camera at one of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s coal tips 🦡
This fantastic footage of a #Badger was captured by our volunteer Catrin using a #cameratrap - a brilliant reminder of just how important these overlooked places are for #wildlife.
#Wales #RhonddaCynonTaf #Nature
This fantastic footage of a #Badger was captured by our volunteer Catrin using a #cameratrap - a brilliant reminder of just how important these overlooked places are for #wildlife.
#Wales #RhonddaCynonTaf #Nature
February 16, 2026 at 7:13 PM
🦡 A special visitor caught on camera at one of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s coal tips 🦡
This fantastic footage of a #Badger was captured by our volunteer Catrin using a #cameratrap - a brilliant reminder of just how important these overlooked places are for #wildlife.
#Wales #RhonddaCynonTaf #Nature
This fantastic footage of a #Badger was captured by our volunteer Catrin using a #cameratrap - a brilliant reminder of just how important these overlooked places are for #wildlife.
#Wales #RhonddaCynonTaf #Nature
Reposted by Liam Olds
Once seen as scars on the landscape, South Wales' coal spoil sites have become rich wildlife habitats yielding some incredible discoveries! Join us for a fascinating talk by entomologist Liam Olds who has been studying the wildlife of these sites for +10 years.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coal-spoil...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coal-spoil...
Coal Spoil - Nature's Surprise Legacy!
Once seen as scars on the landscape, South Wales' coal spoil sites have become rich wildlife habitats yielding some incredible discoveries!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Once seen as scars on the landscape, South Wales' coal spoil sites have become rich wildlife habitats yielding some incredible discoveries! Join us for a fascinating talk by entomologist Liam Olds who has been studying the wildlife of these sites for +10 years.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coal-spoil...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coal-spoil...
Lovely to revisit National Museum Cardiff today (where I worked previously for 3 years) to run an advanced bumblebee identification workshop for @naturambyth.bsky.social @bumblebeetrust.bsky.social staff and volunteers. Can't wait for spring to arrive and start seeing bumblebees again 😊
February 11, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Lovely to revisit National Museum Cardiff today (where I worked previously for 3 years) to run an advanced bumblebee identification workshop for @naturambyth.bsky.social @bumblebeetrust.bsky.social staff and volunteers. Can't wait for spring to arrive and start seeing bumblebees again 😊
Reposted by Liam Olds
Filmed through binoculars (excuse the quality!), this was today’s special sighting at #Pontycymer Lakes, Garw Valley 💙
Once part of Ffaldau Colliery, the lake is now a haven for #wildlife - including Kingfishers, now seen here almost daily this winter.
#CoalToNature #GarwValley #Nature #Kingfisher
Once part of Ffaldau Colliery, the lake is now a haven for #wildlife - including Kingfishers, now seen here almost daily this winter.
#CoalToNature #GarwValley #Nature #Kingfisher
February 9, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Filmed through binoculars (excuse the quality!), this was today’s special sighting at #Pontycymer Lakes, Garw Valley 💙
Once part of Ffaldau Colliery, the lake is now a haven for #wildlife - including Kingfishers, now seen here almost daily this winter.
#CoalToNature #GarwValley #Nature #Kingfisher
Once part of Ffaldau Colliery, the lake is now a haven for #wildlife - including Kingfishers, now seen here almost daily this winter.
#CoalToNature #GarwValley #Nature #Kingfisher
Another unexpected find on today's walk near Blackmill, Bridgend, was this Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda).
It's been raining here for weeks, and it's generally after a period of very wet weather that I find these most often.
It's been raining here for weeks, and it's generally after a period of very wet weather that I find these most often.
February 8, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Another unexpected find on today's walk near Blackmill, Bridgend, was this Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda).
It's been raining here for weeks, and it's generally after a period of very wet weather that I find these most often.
It's been raining here for weeks, and it's generally after a period of very wet weather that I find these most often.
Pleasantly surprised to spot this newly emerged male Black Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus) when walking near Blackmill, Bridgend, today.
I think this is my earliest Black Oil Beetle record!
You can tell he is newly emerged as his abdomen hasn't yet expanded to the typical oil beetle shape.
I think this is my earliest Black Oil Beetle record!
You can tell he is newly emerged as his abdomen hasn't yet expanded to the typical oil beetle shape.
February 8, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Pleasantly surprised to spot this newly emerged male Black Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus) when walking near Blackmill, Bridgend, today.
I think this is my earliest Black Oil Beetle record!
You can tell he is newly emerged as his abdomen hasn't yet expanded to the typical oil beetle shape.
I think this is my earliest Black Oil Beetle record!
You can tell he is newly emerged as his abdomen hasn't yet expanded to the typical oil beetle shape.
Reposted by Liam Olds
3 weeks since launching our 'Save the Small Blue at Cwm Tips' #Crowdfunder and we’ve raised £915 - nearly halfway! 💙
Thank you for your support 💚
If you would like to donate, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
#SaveTheSmallBlue #GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #Nature #Wales #Cymru #Wildlife
Thank you for your support 💚
If you would like to donate, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
#SaveTheSmallBlue #GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #Nature #Wales #Cymru #Wildlife
February 6, 2026 at 8:48 PM
3 weeks since launching our 'Save the Small Blue at Cwm Tips' #Crowdfunder and we’ve raised £915 - nearly halfway! 💙
Thank you for your support 💚
If you would like to donate, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
#SaveTheSmallBlue #GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #Nature #Wales #Cymru #Wildlife
Thank you for your support 💚
If you would like to donate, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
#SaveTheSmallBlue #GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #Nature #Wales #Cymru #Wildlife
Reposted by Liam Olds
The latest European Grassland Butterfly Indicator is out. It shows that grassland butterflies have declined by 47% since 1991, indicating a huge loss of grassland biodiversity. The data come from 16,150 transects & 15,000 volunteers. We are calling for urgent action. www.bc-europe.eu/documents/69...
February 5, 2026 at 10:14 AM
The latest European Grassland Butterfly Indicator is out. It shows that grassland butterflies have declined by 47% since 1991, indicating a huge loss of grassland biodiversity. The data come from 16,150 transects & 15,000 volunteers. We are calling for urgent action. www.bc-europe.eu/documents/69...
Reposted by Liam Olds
💧🌿 Today we’re celebrating #WorldWetlandsDay.
Globally, around 87% of wetlands have been lost in the last 300 years.
In the UK, we’ve lost around 90% in just the last century. Wetlands matter more than ever.
(1/3)
Globally, around 87% of wetlands have been lost in the last 300 years.
In the UK, we’ve lost around 90% in just the last century. Wetlands matter more than ever.
(1/3)
February 2, 2026 at 9:28 AM
💧🌿 Today we’re celebrating #WorldWetlandsDay.
Globally, around 87% of wetlands have been lost in the last 300 years.
In the UK, we’ve lost around 90% in just the last century. Wetlands matter more than ever.
(1/3)
Globally, around 87% of wetlands have been lost in the last 300 years.
In the UK, we’ve lost around 90% in just the last century. Wetlands matter more than ever.
(1/3)
Reposted by Liam Olds
Please spread this far and wide, as stories don't get much bigger than this. When the government blocks even the intelligence services from telling us we're heading for environmental catastrophe, you know we have a problem. A very big problem.
Thank you.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Thank you.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UK government didn't want you to see this report on ecosystem collapse. I'm not surprised | George Monbiot
It took an FOI request to bring this national security assessment to light. For ‘doomsayers’ like us, it is the ultimate vindication, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:18 AM
Please spread this far and wide, as stories don't get much bigger than this. When the government blocks even the intelligence services from telling us we're heading for environmental catastrophe, you know we have a problem. A very big problem.
Thank you.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Thank you.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Fantastic to hear the biodiversity of coal tips being discussed in the Senedd today, with @gloinatur.bsky.social (which I set up only a few months ago) given a special mention 😌
Proud moment for Glo i Natur CIC today 🌿
Our work at Cwm Tips, Beddau was mentioned in the Senedd by Heledd Fychan MS, highlighting coal tips as havens for biodiversity.
Great to see nature and safety discussed together - and even the Beddau Beast got a mention!
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CwmTips
Our work at Cwm Tips, Beddau was mentioned in the Senedd by Heledd Fychan MS, highlighting coal tips as havens for biodiversity.
Great to see nature and safety discussed together - and even the Beddau Beast got a mention!
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CwmTips
January 20, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Fantastic to hear the biodiversity of coal tips being discussed in the Senedd today, with @gloinatur.bsky.social (which I set up only a few months ago) given a special mention 😌
Reposted by Liam Olds
To mark #BlueMonday, here’s a selection of beautifully blue coal spoil #wildlife. 💙🦋🌿
From shimmering butterflies to striking fungi, these blue species show just how uplifting the natural world can be. Protecting wildlife like this doesn’t just benefit #nature - it lifts us too.
#BlueBugs #Blue
From shimmering butterflies to striking fungi, these blue species show just how uplifting the natural world can be. Protecting wildlife like this doesn’t just benefit #nature - it lifts us too.
#BlueBugs #Blue
January 19, 2026 at 9:18 AM
To mark #BlueMonday, here’s a selection of beautifully blue coal spoil #wildlife. 💙🦋🌿
From shimmering butterflies to striking fungi, these blue species show just how uplifting the natural world can be. Protecting wildlife like this doesn’t just benefit #nature - it lifts us too.
#BlueBugs #Blue
From shimmering butterflies to striking fungi, these blue species show just how uplifting the natural world can be. Protecting wildlife like this doesn’t just benefit #nature - it lifts us too.
#BlueBugs #Blue
Reposted by Liam Olds
🐌🎉 One year ago this week, the Pyrenean Semi-slug (Semilimax pyrenaicus) was discovered new to Britain — found on Cwmaman Tip, near Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
January 15, 2026 at 8:09 PM
🐌🎉 One year ago this week, the Pyrenean Semi-slug (Semilimax pyrenaicus) was discovered new to Britain — found on Cwmaman Tip, near Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
Reposted by Liam Olds
✨ Golden-eye moment! 💛
Out in the Cynon Valley today, our team found Golden-eye Lichen (Teloschistes chrysophthalmos) on hawthorn at the former Aberaman Colliery.
Once Critically Endangered, this Mediterranean species is now spreading - it was first recorded in Wales in 2015 on coal spoil.
Out in the Cynon Valley today, our team found Golden-eye Lichen (Teloschistes chrysophthalmos) on hawthorn at the former Aberaman Colliery.
Once Critically Endangered, this Mediterranean species is now spreading - it was first recorded in Wales in 2015 on coal spoil.
December 29, 2025 at 8:23 PM
✨ Golden-eye moment! 💛
Out in the Cynon Valley today, our team found Golden-eye Lichen (Teloschistes chrysophthalmos) on hawthorn at the former Aberaman Colliery.
Once Critically Endangered, this Mediterranean species is now spreading - it was first recorded in Wales in 2015 on coal spoil.
Out in the Cynon Valley today, our team found Golden-eye Lichen (Teloschistes chrysophthalmos) on hawthorn at the former Aberaman Colliery.
Once Critically Endangered, this Mediterranean species is now spreading - it was first recorded in Wales in 2015 on coal spoil.
Reposted by Liam Olds
🎄 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year / Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda 🎄
Thank you to all who’ve supported us through our transition to Glo i Natur CIC 💚
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year - with events, training and new projects ahead. Keep an eye on our socials for updates!
Thank you to all who’ve supported us through our transition to Glo i Natur CIC 💚
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year - with events, training and new projects ahead. Keep an eye on our socials for updates!
December 24, 2025 at 8:50 PM
🎄 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year / Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda 🎄
Thank you to all who’ve supported us through our transition to Glo i Natur CIC 💚
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year - with events, training and new projects ahead. Keep an eye on our socials for updates!
Thank you to all who’ve supported us through our transition to Glo i Natur CIC 💚
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year - with events, training and new projects ahead. Keep an eye on our socials for updates!
Reposted by Liam Olds
We recently visited Parc Calon Lan & the former International Colliery in Blaengarw. Once coal spoil, these sites now offer space for the community and support rich wildlife, including threatened species like Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. A powerful example of nature reclaiming industrial places.
December 21, 2025 at 10:29 AM
We recently visited Parc Calon Lan & the former International Colliery in Blaengarw. Once coal spoil, these sites now offer space for the community and support rich wildlife, including threatened species like Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. A powerful example of nature reclaiming industrial places.
Reposted by Liam Olds
We usually showcase the plants, fungi & invertebrates of coal spoil sites - but here’s some of the hidden life too 🐭
Wood Mice sheltering under a metal sheet at Darren Fawr Tip in the Garw Valley.
Coal tips: full of surprises, even in winter.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #SouthWalesValleys
Wood Mice sheltering under a metal sheet at Darren Fawr Tip in the Garw Valley.
Coal tips: full of surprises, even in winter.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #SouthWalesValleys
December 12, 2025 at 6:55 PM
We usually showcase the plants, fungi & invertebrates of coal spoil sites - but here’s some of the hidden life too 🐭
Wood Mice sheltering under a metal sheet at Darren Fawr Tip in the Garw Valley.
Coal tips: full of surprises, even in winter.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #SouthWalesValleys
Wood Mice sheltering under a metal sheet at Darren Fawr Tip in the Garw Valley.
Coal tips: full of surprises, even in winter.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #SouthWalesValleys
Reposted by Liam Olds
Tufa springs on coal tips 💦
These rare micro-habitats form where water passing through coal spoil picks up calcium - likely from ancient marine bands - and deposits it at the surface. Unusual in the acidic Valleys, and vital for specialist wildlife like soldierflies.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature
These rare micro-habitats form where water passing through coal spoil picks up calcium - likely from ancient marine bands - and deposits it at the surface. Unusual in the acidic Valleys, and vital for specialist wildlife like soldierflies.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature
December 13, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Tufa springs on coal tips 💦
These rare micro-habitats form where water passing through coal spoil picks up calcium - likely from ancient marine bands - and deposits it at the surface. Unusual in the acidic Valleys, and vital for specialist wildlife like soldierflies.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature
These rare micro-habitats form where water passing through coal spoil picks up calcium - likely from ancient marine bands - and deposits it at the surface. Unusual in the acidic Valleys, and vital for specialist wildlife like soldierflies.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature
Reposted by Liam Olds
Great to speak with the Nature Restoration & Forestry students from Black Mountain College in Treherbert today about coal spoil wildlife. Sharing this knowledge is vital - inspiring future practitioners to recognise the biodiversity value of these sites. 🌿💚
December 10, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Great to speak with the Nature Restoration & Forestry students from Black Mountain College in Treherbert today about coal spoil wildlife. Sharing this knowledge is vital - inspiring future practitioners to recognise the biodiversity value of these sites. 🌿💚
Reposted by Liam Olds
We've had nearly 300 bookings for our talk on the Clubmosses of Britain and Ireland by Fred Rumsey next Tuesday evening (2nd December) and there's still places left!
Book now for free (though donations towards our work are appreciated): share.google/lQL6JQ7E9SEQ...
Book now for free (though donations towards our work are appreciated): share.google/lQL6JQ7E9SEQ...
November 28, 2025 at 9:19 AM
We've had nearly 300 bookings for our talk on the Clubmosses of Britain and Ireland by Fred Rumsey next Tuesday evening (2nd December) and there's still places left!
Book now for free (though donations towards our work are appreciated): share.google/lQL6JQ7E9SEQ...
Book now for free (though donations towards our work are appreciated): share.google/lQL6JQ7E9SEQ...
Reposted by Liam Olds
Its that time of year again: a male Snow Flea, one of 3 seen yesterday in woodland on the Shrops/Herefords border. These 4mm relatives of Scorpionflies live in moss (esp. Polytrichum & relatives) & are winter active as adults. Not fleas of course but they can jump a bit.
November 27, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Its that time of year again: a male Snow Flea, one of 3 seen yesterday in woodland on the Shrops/Herefords border. These 4mm relatives of Scorpionflies live in moss (esp. Polytrichum & relatives) & are winter active as adults. Not fleas of course but they can jump a bit.
Loving invertebrates + owning a log burner is a risky combo 🔥🕷️
I always check logs for stowaways, and tonight I rescued a beautifully camouflaged flatbug Aradus depressus from the fire 👀
It’ll be released onto dead wood in the garden to overwinter 🤞
I always check logs for stowaways, and tonight I rescued a beautifully camouflaged flatbug Aradus depressus from the fire 👀
It’ll be released onto dead wood in the garden to overwinter 🤞
November 22, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Loving invertebrates + owning a log burner is a risky combo 🔥🕷️
I always check logs for stowaways, and tonight I rescued a beautifully camouflaged flatbug Aradus depressus from the fire 👀
It’ll be released onto dead wood in the garden to overwinter 🤞
I always check logs for stowaways, and tonight I rescued a beautifully camouflaged flatbug Aradus depressus from the fire 👀
It’ll be released onto dead wood in the garden to overwinter 🤞
Reposted by Liam Olds
Last night, Liam and Carys from Glo i Natur CIC joined the @wtsww.bsky.social Brecon Group AGM, where Liam gave a talk on the rich biodiversity of South Wales’ coal spoil sites - from Pennyroyal & Adder to the “Maerdy Monster”!
Thanks for the warm welcome.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CoalSpoil
Thanks for the warm welcome.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CoalSpoil
November 13, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Last night, Liam and Carys from Glo i Natur CIC joined the @wtsww.bsky.social Brecon Group AGM, where Liam gave a talk on the rich biodiversity of South Wales’ coal spoil sites - from Pennyroyal & Adder to the “Maerdy Monster”!
Thanks for the warm welcome.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CoalSpoil
Thanks for the warm welcome.
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CoalSpoil
Reposted by Liam Olds
It's bulb planting time!
Bulbs make dazzling displays in containers or borders, and they’re also a great source of late winter/early spring nectar for butterflies and moths 🦋
Top 5 bulbs to plant:
🌷 Crocus
🌷 Alliums
🌷 Grape hyacinth
🌷 Winter aconite
🌷 Snake's-head Fritillary
📷: Rob Blanken
Bulbs make dazzling displays in containers or borders, and they’re also a great source of late winter/early spring nectar for butterflies and moths 🦋
Top 5 bulbs to plant:
🌷 Crocus
🌷 Alliums
🌷 Grape hyacinth
🌷 Winter aconite
🌷 Snake's-head Fritillary
📷: Rob Blanken
November 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM
It's bulb planting time!
Bulbs make dazzling displays in containers or borders, and they’re also a great source of late winter/early spring nectar for butterflies and moths 🦋
Top 5 bulbs to plant:
🌷 Crocus
🌷 Alliums
🌷 Grape hyacinth
🌷 Winter aconite
🌷 Snake's-head Fritillary
📷: Rob Blanken
Bulbs make dazzling displays in containers or borders, and they’re also a great source of late winter/early spring nectar for butterflies and moths 🦋
Top 5 bulbs to plant:
🌷 Crocus
🌷 Alliums
🌷 Grape hyacinth
🌷 Winter aconite
🌷 Snake's-head Fritillary
📷: Rob Blanken
Reposted by Liam Olds
My first Snow Flea (Boreus hyemalis) of the winter at Cali Heath @yorkswildlife.bsky.social reserve today. Nice of her to pose out in the open on a fallen leaf, so didn't need to spend hours waiting for one to emerge from the Polytrichum moss! @ynuorg.bsky.social #Mecoptera #Boreidae #ukwildlife
November 9, 2025 at 3:41 PM
My first Snow Flea (Boreus hyemalis) of the winter at Cali Heath @yorkswildlife.bsky.social reserve today. Nice of her to pose out in the open on a fallen leaf, so didn't need to spend hours waiting for one to emerge from the Polytrichum moss! @ynuorg.bsky.social #Mecoptera #Boreidae #ukwildlife