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
✨ 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
Reposted by Liam Olds
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Liam & Christian were in the Wyre Forest Coalfield today, where Liam was guest speaker at Worcestershire Entomology Day 🐞 Nearly 100 people attended!
Liam & Christian were in the Wyre Forest Coalfield today, where Liam was guest speaker at Worcestershire Entomology Day 🐞 Nearly 100 people attended!
November 8, 2025 at 8:27 PM
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Liam & Christian were in the Wyre Forest Coalfield today, where Liam was guest speaker at Worcestershire Entomology Day 🐞 Nearly 100 people attended!
Liam & Christian were in the Wyre Forest Coalfield today, where Liam was guest speaker at Worcestershire Entomology Day 🐞 Nearly 100 people attended!
Reposted by Liam Olds
We’re excited to announce the launch of Glo i Natur CIC - a new community interest company dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the unique biodiversity and heritage of South Wales’ coal spoil sites. 🌿
Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org
#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery
Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org
#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery
November 7, 2025 at 8:35 AM
We’re excited to announce the launch of Glo i Natur CIC - a new community interest company dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the unique biodiversity and heritage of South Wales’ coal spoil sites. 🌿
Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org
#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery
Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org
#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery
Big news! 🌿 After 10 years of work celebrating the biodiversity of South Wales’ coal spoil sites, I’ve launched Glo i Natur CIC - a new community interest company protecting, restoring & celebrating our coalfield nature.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social to join the journey 💚
#CoaltoNature
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social to join the journey 💚
#CoaltoNature
November 7, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Big news! 🌿 After 10 years of work celebrating the biodiversity of South Wales’ coal spoil sites, I’ve launched Glo i Natur CIC - a new community interest company protecting, restoring & celebrating our coalfield nature.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social to join the journey 💚
#CoaltoNature
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social to join the journey 💚
#CoaltoNature
Reposted by Liam Olds
🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative 🎉
This December marks 10 years since the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative began its mission to change how people see South Wales’ colliery spoil sites — from barren relics of industry to thriving havens for wildlife.
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This December marks 10 years since the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative began its mission to change how people see South Wales’ colliery spoil sites — from barren relics of industry to thriving havens for wildlife.
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November 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative 🎉
This December marks 10 years since the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative began its mission to change how people see South Wales’ colliery spoil sites — from barren relics of industry to thriving havens for wildlife.
1/3
This December marks 10 years since the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative began its mission to change how people see South Wales’ colliery spoil sites — from barren relics of industry to thriving havens for wildlife.
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Amazing moment seeing my first ever Purse Web Spider (Atypus affinis) at Broad Haven South Dunes last night (spotted by my colleague Christian Owen). This incredible species is more closely related to the tarantulas and trapdoor than to any other British spider!
@britishspiders.bsky.social
@britishspiders.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Amazing moment seeing my first ever Purse Web Spider (Atypus affinis) at Broad Haven South Dunes last night (spotted by my colleague Christian Owen). This incredible species is more closely related to the tarantulas and trapdoor than to any other British spider!
@britishspiders.bsky.social
@britishspiders.bsky.social
Thousands of Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) at Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire, yesterday. Amazing to watch them, especially the mating balls.
September 11, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Thousands of Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) at Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire, yesterday. Amazing to watch them, especially the mating balls.
Reposted by Liam Olds
An opportunity of a lifetime for budding lichenologists. The National Trust and the Royal Botanics, Edinburgh are offering a PAID lichen traineeship in #Scotland! The work programme looks fascinating and a great opportunity to develop skills. Deadline: 3/10/2025. www.asva.co.uk/jobs/trainee...
September 5, 2025 at 1:32 PM
An opportunity of a lifetime for budding lichenologists. The National Trust and the Royal Botanics, Edinburgh are offering a PAID lichen traineeship in #Scotland! The work programme looks fascinating and a great opportunity to develop skills. Deadline: 3/10/2025. www.asva.co.uk/jobs/trainee...
Reposted by Liam Olds
🪲 Weevils! The UK boasts 600+ species, almost as many as birds! Join us on 13 Oct (7–8pm) for an entoLIVE with @markgurn.bsky.social to explore their ecology, habitats & quirky plant preferences. It is FREE!!! Don’t miss it! 🧪 🌎
🔗 Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1491232379...
🔗 Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1491232379...
September 5, 2025 at 1:37 PM
🪲 Weevils! The UK boasts 600+ species, almost as many as birds! Join us on 13 Oct (7–8pm) for an entoLIVE with @markgurn.bsky.social to explore their ecology, habitats & quirky plant preferences. It is FREE!!! Don’t miss it! 🧪 🌎
🔗 Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1491232379...
🔗 Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1491232379...
Reposted by Liam Olds
Callicera spinolae, the Ivy Hoverfly, is one of the UK's rarest hoverflies, as well as one of the most spectacular.
This morning, I recorded a female on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire. This is the 5th consecutive year that I have seen this wonderful fly in my garden, four days earlier than before.
This morning, I recorded a female on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire. This is the 5th consecutive year that I have seen this wonderful fly in my garden, four days earlier than before.
September 5, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Callicera spinolae, the Ivy Hoverfly, is one of the UK's rarest hoverflies, as well as one of the most spectacular.
This morning, I recorded a female on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire. This is the 5th consecutive year that I have seen this wonderful fly in my garden, four days earlier than before.
This morning, I recorded a female on the Ivy in my S. Cambridgeshire. This is the 5th consecutive year that I have seen this wonderful fly in my garden, four days earlier than before.
Reposted by Liam Olds
Why do we have to fight to protect already protected areas? Coul is an SSSI - seems to mean nothing if you have money and want to build a golf course. We do not need another golf course.
Please sign this petition to protect #nature and our beautiful home.
#coul
action.rspb.org.uk/page/166270/...
Please sign this petition to protect #nature and our beautiful home.
#coul
action.rspb.org.uk/page/166270/...
Save Coul Links!
Your voice could help save this precious habitat from a new threat of development.
action.rspb.org.uk
September 4, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Why do we have to fight to protect already protected areas? Coul is an SSSI - seems to mean nothing if you have money and want to build a golf course. We do not need another golf course.
Please sign this petition to protect #nature and our beautiful home.
#coul
action.rspb.org.uk/page/166270/...
Please sign this petition to protect #nature and our beautiful home.
#coul
action.rspb.org.uk/page/166270/...
Reposted by Liam Olds
If you want to identify, well, anything, I recommend this post from @weevil-see.bsky.social. His choice of weevils to illustrate it is of course excellent, but it applies to everything from mushrooms to marsupials. This is how you can be a good identifier of things.
[Link contains spider]
[Link contains spider]
I started a blog and my first post is online!
The posts will try to explore topics which are not typically covered by introductory literature and textbooks, e.g. because they are considered to be "too basic". Let me know what you think!
weevil-see.github.io/taxonomy/Ide...
The posts will try to explore topics which are not typically covered by introductory literature and textbooks, e.g. because they are considered to be "too basic". Let me know what you think!
weevil-see.github.io/taxonomy/Ide...
Species Identifications: Common Pitfalls
Some thoughts about Identifications. How do we identify properly? How do we avoid mistakes?
weevil-see.github.io
September 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
If you want to identify, well, anything, I recommend this post from @weevil-see.bsky.social. His choice of weevils to illustrate it is of course excellent, but it applies to everything from mushrooms to marsupials. This is how you can be a good identifier of things.
[Link contains spider]
[Link contains spider]
Reposted by Liam Olds
🐞🌿 Join us for Blaenavon Biodiversity Day on Sat 20 Sept!
Guided walks with local experts on insects, fungi, birds + more.
Don’t miss @liamolds.bsky.social from @collieryspoil.bsky.social leading an insect/invertebrate walk!
📍 Blaenavon | 🗓️ 20 Sept
Guided walks with local experts on insects, fungi, birds + more.
Don’t miss @liamolds.bsky.social from @collieryspoil.bsky.social leading an insect/invertebrate walk!
📍 Blaenavon | 🗓️ 20 Sept
September 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
🐞🌿 Join us for Blaenavon Biodiversity Day on Sat 20 Sept!
Guided walks with local experts on insects, fungi, birds + more.
Don’t miss @liamolds.bsky.social from @collieryspoil.bsky.social leading an insect/invertebrate walk!
📍 Blaenavon | 🗓️ 20 Sept
Guided walks with local experts on insects, fungi, birds + more.
Don’t miss @liamolds.bsky.social from @collieryspoil.bsky.social leading an insect/invertebrate walk!
📍 Blaenavon | 🗓️ 20 Sept
Join the Buglife Cymru Coal Spoil Connections team, Lost Peatlands Project - Prosiect Adfer Mawndiroedd, KeyCreate, and others for a WildBlitz at Clydach Vale Country Park!
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕙 10:30 - 15:00
📌 Clydach Vale Country Park
No need to book, just turn up at Cambrian Colliery Memorial.
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕙 10:30 - 15:00
📌 Clydach Vale Country Park
No need to book, just turn up at Cambrian Colliery Memorial.
August 28, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Join the Buglife Cymru Coal Spoil Connections team, Lost Peatlands Project - Prosiect Adfer Mawndiroedd, KeyCreate, and others for a WildBlitz at Clydach Vale Country Park!
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕙 10:30 - 15:00
📌 Clydach Vale Country Park
No need to book, just turn up at Cambrian Colliery Memorial.
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕙 10:30 - 15:00
📌 Clydach Vale Country Park
No need to book, just turn up at Cambrian Colliery Memorial.