Mathias Disney
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matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney
@matdisney.bsky.social
440 followers 180 following 60 posts

Scientist, trees, forests, carbon, ecosystem structure and function, in all the ways. One tree at a time. Prof at UCL Geography, and NCEO

Videos
Environmental science 71%
Geography 18%
Posts Replies Media Videos

Reposted by Mathias Disney

newphyt.bsky.social
New Phytologist @newphyt.bsky.social · 1d
✨ Paper spotlight ✨

(🧵 1/7) From growth potential to drought survival: a trait- and time-based framework for plant water economics across vascular species
nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Fig. 6 Hypothesized trade-offs across vascular species illustrating a water use economics framework.

Reposted by Mathias Disney, Tommaso Jucker, Markus P. Eichhorn

lauraboeschoten.bsky.social
Laura Boeschoten @lauraboeschoten.bsky.social · 3d
Thrilled to share our new paper on restoring tree diversity in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest!🌳

Our findings are encouraging: restoration shows high diversity, though old-growth-like composition needs more time.

Amazing team effort from the Newfor team @ USP & @w-u-r.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1111/gcb....
All Reforestation Methods Can Support Tropical Tree Diversity Recovery, but Drivers and Species Composition Vary
We assessed tree diversity recovery across five reforestation methods (white background) and compared them to three reference systems (grey background). In the rainforest, none of the restoration met...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com

matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney @matdisney.bsky.social · 6d
V few if any of the original 1850s giant sequoia are still alive (poss a couple in Scotland). Many were planted in the late 19th to early 20th C and they're v popular now. Coastal redwood (diff species) were much less widely planted. Definitely an interesting place to plant one tho!

Reposted by Brian J. Enquist, Mathias Disney, Pieter A. Zuidema , and 7 more

forestplots.bsky.social
ForestPlots @forestplots.bsky.social · 6d
Tree diversity is changing in the Amazon and Andes.

Belen Fadrique leads our analysis in @natecoevo.nature.com w/ 400 plots + 40 years of RAINFOR records.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Hot, drier, more fragmented forests are losing species. Many in the Andes + western Amazon are gaining them.

Reposted by Mathias Disney, Stephen D. Murphy

markuseichhorn.bsky.social
Markus Eichhorn @markuseichhorn.bsky.social · 6d
Database of ecological restoration projects across Europe compiled from >400 stakeholder surveys by @mndzmery.bsky.social and colleagues 🌏🧪🌐 oneecosystem.pensoft.net/article/1611...
Figure 4 from Rubio-Cuadrado et al. (2026) showing number of restorations per European country where reported by respondents.

Reposted by Oliver L. Phillips, Simon L. Lewis, Jonathan Lenoir , and 7 more

belenfadrique.bsky.social
Belen Fadrique @belenfadrique.bsky.social · 6d
Very happy to share this new article on Andes-Amazon tree diversity change. We found that over the last 4 decades, tree richness changed differently across the Andes-Amazon regions. Thanks to the many researchers across the world who made this possible!
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Keep reading!

Reposted by Yadvinder Malhi, Mathias Disney, Steve Carver

tonyjuniper.bsky.social
Tony Juniper @tonyjuniper.bsky.social · 9d
An across-government technical assessment published today recognises that "nature is the foundation of national security" and that "every critical ecosystem is on a pathway to collapse". A rational response to this would be to get very serious about nature recovery.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Nature security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security
This strategic assessment explores how global biodiversity loss and the collapse of critical ecosystems could affect the UK’s resilience, security and prosperity.
www.gov.uk

Reposted by Mathias Disney

thetreecouncil.bsky.social
The Tree Council @thetreecouncil.bsky.social · 9d
Read on to find out more about the issues highlighted after a challenging summer for our treescapes.

treetalk.substack.com/p/new-tree-h...
New tree health forum established
UK experts report on latest developments...
treetalk.substack.com

Reposted by Brian J. Enquist, Ben Bond‐Lamberty, Jonathan Lenoir , and 8 more

tommaso-jucker.bsky.social
Tommaso Jucker @tommaso-jucker.bsky.social · 12d
Massive update to the Global Wood Density Database out today @newphyt.bsky.social led by the brilliant Fabian Fischer. What an amazing community resource!
🧪🍁🌐

nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

Reposted by Mathias Disney, Markus P. Eichhorn

jomcinerney.bsky.social
James McInerney @jomcinerney.bsky.social · 14d
Ever wondered if writing a grant proposal was actually worth your time? Presenting....The Grant Portfolio Evaluator - (for entertainment only) mol-evol.github.io/grant-evalua...
Grant Portfolio Evaluator
Rank and prioritize research funding opportunities. Calculate EV/hour and decide which grants are worth your time.
mol-evol.github.io

matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney @matdisney.bsky.social · 18d
NASA wordle technique really needs some work

matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney @matdisney.bsky.social · 20d
Really interesting and great use of UAV lidar in mixed woodlands.
juliakoricheva.bsky.social Julia Koricheva @juliakoricheva.bsky.social · 20d
New #OA output from @uktreescapes.bsky.social #TreE_PlaNat project: a LiDAR-based comparison of structural complexity of woodlands established through planting, natural colonisation and hybrid approach, led by Sam Hughes and @thisanna.bsky.social www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Reposted by Mathias Disney

juliakoricheva.bsky.social
Julia Koricheva @juliakoricheva.bsky.social · 20d
New #OA output from @uktreescapes.bsky.social #TreE_PlaNat project: a LiDAR-based comparison of structural complexity of woodlands established through planting, natural colonisation and hybrid approach, led by Sam Hughes and @thisanna.bsky.social www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Reposted by Mathias Disney

esa.int
European Space Agency @esa.int · 21d
🆕 The threat of large-scale deforestation is well known, but this new study reveals a surprising risk factor: small clearings of tropical forest account for more than half of net carbon losses across the Tropics.

📷 These satellite images show how deforestation has expanded in Peru’s Loreto region.
NASA’s Landsat-5 image from 10 July 1995 of the Loreto region in Peru Copernicus Sentinel-2 image from 3 August 2020 of the Loreto region in Peru

matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney @matdisney.bsky.social · 22d
Important bit of work! So many interventions that are either anecdotally supported or basically vibes. Partly becaue it takes a long time to see change, even if you are looking for it. Great idea this.
rupertseidl.bsky.social Rupert Seidl @rupertseidl.bsky.social · 22d
In C Europe, there is a push to align forest management more closely with natural processes, but is this "closer-to-nature" management able to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services? Great synthesis led by @anastritih.bsky.social with input from many leading experts! doi.org/10.1007/s407...

Reposted by Katharine Hayhoe, Mathias Disney, Stephen D. Murphy , and 3 more

rupertseidl.bsky.social
Rupert Seidl @rupertseidl.bsky.social · 22d
In C Europe, there is a push to align forest management more closely with natural processes, but is this "closer-to-nature" management able to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services? Great synthesis led by @anastritih.bsky.social with input from many leading experts! doi.org/10.1007/s407...

matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney @matdisney.bsky.social · 24d
no quite, I get that - I'm more wondering about why they are so popular despite little/no evidence as to the ecological benefits - that's always intrigued me. Charismatic microflora?

matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney @matdisney.bsky.social · 24d
interesting (I get asked this a lot too). The engagement aspect of the 'tiny' shouldn't be overlooked (see houses, vans etc) & possibly feels more manageable than other interventions. Combined with the 'golden shovel' effect (as per Eisenman et al) it's a heady mix!

Reposted by Dorothy Bishop, Mathias Disney, Peter Stegmaier , and 1 more

carlquintanilla.bsky.social
Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 26d
Jan 1.
Jan 3.

matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney @matdisney.bsky.social · 27d
Sad to see this www.foretprimaire-francishalle.org/nos-actualit... . Hallé has
always been an inspiration for how to look at trees and forests with fresh eyes and even fresher ideas. Such a great illustrator too - his work on tropical forests is brilliant and beautiful
Francis Hallé nous a quittés à l’âge de 87 ans – Association Francis Hallé pour la forêt primaire
www.foretprimaire-francishalle.org

Reposted by Oliver L. Phillips, Mathias Disney, Kevin J. Anchukaitis , and 3 more

bjenquist.bsky.social
Brian J. Enquist @bjenquist.bsky.social · Dec 19
New postdoctoral fellowship opportunity! Please pass along. Excited to announce the launch of the Tom Lovejoy Fellowship Program at the University of Arizona for innovative research to protect species, sustain ecosystems, and promote a thriving planet lovejoycenter.arizona.edu/lovejoy-fell... 🧪🌐🌾
Application Process Image Woman behind a podium presenting. Jessie Golding, BBCS postdoc, presenting at ICCB 2025. Apply to become a Lovejoy Fellow by submitting your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references through the University of Arizona Talent Portal (link upcoming) by the first review date of January 30, 2026. Your cover letter should: Identify 1-2 Lovejoy BBCS faculty you would be interested in working with and explain the primary research directions you would want to pursue in collaboration with this faculty member. You are strongly encouraged to reach out to faculty before submitting your application. Describe your experience with or interest in inter- or transdisciplinary research. Explain how this experience will positively impact your career trajectory.

matdisney.bsky.social
Mathias Disney @matdisney.bsky.social · Dec 19
Last fieldwork of the year, lovely day in Epping

Reposted by Mathias Disney

jrthompsonucl.bsky.social
Prof. Julian R. Thompson @jrthompsonucl.bsky.social · Dec 17
Blinked and missed this in the end of term madness but our latest paper on pollution within sediments of Chinese lake and other aquatic ecosystems was recently published...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Heavy metals and PAHs drive ecological and health risks in Chinese water level fluctuation zones
Water-level fluctuation zones (WLFZ) adjacent to rivers, lakes and reservoirs are ecologically sensitive areas, regulating water quality and maintaini…
www.sciencedirect.com

Reposted by Mathias Disney

afreedma.bsky.social
Andrew Freedman @afreedma.bsky.social · Dec 17
Perspective on the news about the Trump administration seeking to break up the NSF NCAR - The National Center for Atmospheric Research from the ground at the AGU meeting. www.cnn.com/2025/12/17/c...
Climate scientists face the loss of a critical research center — and vow to fight back | CNN
The Trump administration announced plans Tuesday to shut down the National Center for Atmospheric Research, an organization responsible for everything from improved weather models to tools that aid hu...
www.cnn.com

Reposted by Katharine Hayhoe, Elizabeth Saunders, Rebecca Solnit , and 67 more

usatoday.com
USA TODAY @usatoday.com · Dec 17
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly

Reposted by Brian J. Enquist, Julia Koricheva, Garry Peterson , and 21 more

nhcooper123.bsky.social
Natalie Cooper @nhcooper123.bsky.social · Dec 16
Excited to launch the new improved Reproducible Code guide from @britishecologicalsociety.org @methodsinecoevol.bsky.social FREE online here! www.britishecologicalsociety.org//wp-content/... Amazing work by some very talented ECRs. We hope it’s useful!
Book cover for Reproducible Code guide. The cover has a red background with a large yellow-bodied black-headed stag beetle.

Reposted by Mathias Disney

nceoscience.bsky.social
National Centre for Earth Observation @nceoscience.bsky.social · Dec 11
Congratulations to FSF the NERC Field Spectroscopy Facility @nercfsf.bsky.social managed by NCEO, for reaching a huge milestone: 1,000 equipment loans since 1994 and 30 years of supporting research🎉

Read more: tinyurl.com/4462acn2
NERC Field Spectroscopy Facility Marks 1,000th Equipment Loan and 30 Years of Service - National Centre for Earth Observation
The NERC Field Spectroscopy Facility (FSF) – a “lending library” of advanced spectroscopic instruments managed by the National Centre for Earth Observation - has reached a major milestone: its 1,000th...
tinyurl.com

Reposted by Jens‐Christian Svenning, Yadvinder Malhi, Brian J. Enquist , and 7 more

andrewabraham.bsky.social
Andrew Abraham @andrewabraham.bsky.social · Dec 9
Earth's largest land animals are limited by salt.

Sodium availability constrains the density and distribution of elephants, giraffes and rhinos across Africa, and offers a new explanation for the so-called 'missing megaherbivores'.

www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Free access: rdcu.be/eTPY2

Reposted by Mathias Disney

bjenquist.bsky.social
Brian J. Enquist @bjenquist.bsky.social · Dec 4
Each year, I teach "Evolution of Plant Form and Function" to undergraduates - I've struggled to find good synthetic out-of-class materials - until recently. This is such a superb overview of the functional and physiological overview of land plant evolution www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSch... 🧪🌾🌐 #botany
Trees Are So Weird
YouTube video by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
www.youtube.com

Reposted by Mathias Disney, Roger Luckhurst

uclgeography.bsky.social
UCL Department of Geography @uclgeography.bsky.social · Dec 4
Victorian teetotalers, life insurance & health: Dr @jameskneale.bsky.social’s Temperance Lives shows how insurers shaped drinking habits 🏛️💼🍷.

Read more 👇 tinyurl.com/ucl-temp

#UCLGeography #VictorianBritain #Temperance #LifeAssurance #History @bloomsburyhist.bsky.social @bloomsburyhist.bsky.social