Meg Bertera-Berwick
@megberteraberwick.bsky.social
Writing about land & memory. PhD in post-colonial stuff. Queer/bi/autistic. Shortlisted for the Nan Shepherd Prize 2023. Glasgow. Free 🇵🇸
On insta: @meg.berteraberwick
Newsletter: https://podbypod.substack.com/
Represented by @portyliterary.bsky.social
On insta: @meg.berteraberwick
Newsletter: https://podbypod.substack.com/
Represented by @portyliterary.bsky.social
Pinned
pod by pod | Meg Bertera-Berwick | Substack
A twice-monthly newsletter about growing, historic gardening practices and folklore, and learning from land - past and present - in a changing climate. Click to read pod by pod, by Meg Bertera-Berwick...
podbypod.substack.com
Lots of new followers thanks to all the starter packs, so here’s a wee intro! I’m an American-born writer/researcher living in Glasgow. My newsletter, pod by pod, explores relationships with land/plants through growing, historic gardening practices/folklore, and (increasingly) archaeobotany.
After nearly three years of navigating the suburban-front-garden-as-class-signifier, trying to find a comfortable way of creating something good within the frustrating parameters of suburban design politics, I had the personally liberating realisation:
19.3.25 – a front garden is a contribution
Over the winter, I looked up from my dissatisfaction with the half-hearted, half-finished front garden and it clicked.
podbypod.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 8:13 PM
After nearly three years of navigating the suburban-front-garden-as-class-signifier, trying to find a comfortable way of creating something good within the frustrating parameters of suburban design politics, I had the personally liberating realisation:
19.3.25 – a front garden is a contribution
Over the winter, I looked up from my dissatisfaction with the half-hearted, half-finished front garden and it clicked.
podbypod.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 12:33 PM
After nearly three years of navigating the suburban-front-garden-as-class-signifier, trying to find a comfortable way of creating something good within the frustrating parameters of suburban design politics, I had the personally liberating realisation:
28.2.25 - haunting the garden
For months, all I’ve done is look.
podbypod.substack.com
March 1, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
Coming back to writing after an unplanned winter hiatus, a long-ish piece on how I finally read Rachel Carson's Silent Spring after my uncle's unexpected death last month. #naturewriting
13.2.25 - on reading Silent Spring after the funeral
Last month, I went through US pre-clearance at Dublin Airport.
podbypod.substack.com
February 17, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Coming back to writing after an unplanned winter hiatus, a long-ish piece on how I finally read Rachel Carson's Silent Spring after my uncle's unexpected death last month. #naturewriting
Coming back to writing after an unplanned winter hiatus, a long-ish piece on how I finally read Rachel Carson's Silent Spring after my uncle's unexpected death last month. #naturewriting
13.2.25 - on reading Silent Spring after the funeral
Last month, I went through US pre-clearance at Dublin Airport.
podbypod.substack.com
February 17, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Coming back to writing after an unplanned winter hiatus, a long-ish piece on how I finally read Rachel Carson's Silent Spring after my uncle's unexpected death last month. #naturewriting
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
Jamaica Kincaid talks to Sandra Guzmán about colonialism, gardening, and worshipping her plants.
Trees of Life and Knowledge: Jamaica Kincaid on Colonialism, Gardening, and Worshipping Her Plants
At the Authors Guild Foundation’s third-annual WIT: Words, Ideas, and Thinkers Literary Festival in the Berkshires this September, acclaimed author Jamaica Kincaid spoke with journalist and editor …
lithub.com
January 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Jamaica Kincaid talks to Sandra Guzmán about colonialism, gardening, and worshipping her plants.
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
What happens when you gift the devil a plot of your arable land so he doesn't mess with your other crops and cattle? Ecological magic. #naturewriting #lifewriting
18.12.24 – theirs and ours
Until the late 1980s, Bedfordshire farmer Hugh White was a proud champion of conventional farming.
podbypod.substack.com
December 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM
What happens when you gift the devil a plot of your arable land so he doesn't mess with your other crops and cattle? Ecological magic. #naturewriting #lifewriting
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
"For the next 25 years, White proudly oversaw his farmland’s hands-off transformation into a mosaic of wildflower glades, hawthorn and blackthorn scrubland, and young woodland, which swiftly became a haven for nightingales, barn owls, turtle doves, orchids, butterflies, and countless other species."
What happens when you gift the devil a plot of your arable land so he doesn't mess with your other crops and cattle? Ecological magic. #naturewriting #lifewriting
18.12.24 – theirs and ours
Until the late 1980s, Bedfordshire farmer Hugh White was a proud champion of conventional farming.
podbypod.substack.com
December 18, 2024 at 2:06 PM
"For the next 25 years, White proudly oversaw his farmland’s hands-off transformation into a mosaic of wildflower glades, hawthorn and blackthorn scrubland, and young woodland, which swiftly became a haven for nightingales, barn owls, turtle doves, orchids, butterflies, and countless other species."
What happens when you gift the devil a plot of your arable land so he doesn't mess with your other crops and cattle? Ecological magic. #naturewriting #lifewriting
18.12.24 – theirs and ours
Until the late 1980s, Bedfordshire farmer Hugh White was a proud champion of conventional farming.
podbypod.substack.com
December 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM
What happens when you gift the devil a plot of your arable land so he doesn't mess with your other crops and cattle? Ecological magic. #naturewriting #lifewriting
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
For a list of Gazan accounts that have been verified as real as comprehensively as possible, check this thread by @mommunism.bsky.social. Pick one. Make them your project. You will feel better when you’re doing something to help. bsky.app/profile/momm...
I’m going to make individual posts for the Palestinian accounts I’m boosting today so they don’t get lost in a thread but if you are looking for them all in one place I’ll link them here 🔽
December 7, 2024 at 1:38 AM
For a list of Gazan accounts that have been verified as real as comprehensively as possible, check this thread by @mommunism.bsky.social. Pick one. Make them your project. You will feel better when you’re doing something to help. bsky.app/profile/momm...
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
This is terrible news! Auchindrain is one of the best historic sites in Scotland imo. It's a very important and very special place and there's nothing else quite like it. I took lots of photos and wrote about it. Link below.
www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-dia...
#Scotland #History #Museum
www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-dia...
#Scotland #History #Museum
December 6, 2024 at 8:03 AM
This is terrible news! Auchindrain is one of the best historic sites in Scotland imo. It's a very important and very special place and there's nothing else quite like it. I took lots of photos and wrote about it. Link below.
www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-dia...
#Scotland #History #Museum
www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-dia...
#Scotland #History #Museum
I’m thrilled to share that I'm now represented by Caro Clarke at Portobello Literary! It's a dream come true to work with this brilliant agent on a book that means so much, and to be in the company of the phenomenal writers they represent. I couldn’t have asked for safer hands or cooler people!
Portobello Literary
A literary agency based in Portobello, Edinburgh
www.portobelloliterary.co.uk
December 5, 2024 at 12:19 PM
I’m thrilled to share that I'm now represented by Caro Clarke at Portobello Literary! It's a dream come true to work with this brilliant agent on a book that means so much, and to be in the company of the phenomenal writers they represent. I couldn’t have asked for safer hands or cooler people!
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
That the Deputy Ambassador of Israel to the UK is still meeting with MSPs - including one from the SNP - should be a source of shame for our parliament.
No other representative of a government carrying out a genocide would be welcomed in Holyrood. Sickening
www.parliament.scot/-/media/file...
No other representative of a government carrying out a genocide would be welcomed in Holyrood. Sickening
www.parliament.scot/-/media/file...
December 5, 2024 at 11:36 AM
That the Deputy Ambassador of Israel to the UK is still meeting with MSPs - including one from the SNP - should be a source of shame for our parliament.
No other representative of a government carrying out a genocide would be welcomed in Holyrood. Sickening
www.parliament.scot/-/media/file...
No other representative of a government carrying out a genocide would be welcomed in Holyrood. Sickening
www.parliament.scot/-/media/file...
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
second day of strike today, support the journalists, please avoid Guardian online for next 24 hours
Guardian staff go on strike for 48hrs from 11am today - In a revolt against editor Katherine Viner and the plans to sell The Observer to Tortoise Media.
inews.co.uk/news/guardia...
inews.co.uk/news/guardia...
'It's a mess': Guardian editor faces revolt as staff stage historic strike
Guardian and Observer journalists are questioning editor Katharine Viner's position over the planned sale of The Observer to digital start-up Tortoise Media
inews.co.uk
December 5, 2024 at 8:33 AM
second day of strike today, support the journalists, please avoid Guardian online for next 24 hours
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
In this week’s newsletter, I respond to a bit from Richard Mabey’s new book (in which he likens the act of making a garden to a domineering act of colonialism) with lessons on disturbance from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s generous new book, The Serviceberry. A garden is not a colony, it's a disruption.
4.12.24 – on disturbance & The Serviceberry, and one last Kalendar
For three consecutive mornings this autumn, I spooked the robin and wren when I opened the back door for the dog.
podbypod.substack.com
December 4, 2024 at 7:21 PM
In this week’s newsletter, I respond to a bit from Richard Mabey’s new book (in which he likens the act of making a garden to a domineering act of colonialism) with lessons on disturbance from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s generous new book, The Serviceberry. A garden is not a colony, it's a disruption.
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
Today Guardian and Observer journalists are on strike over plans to sell the Observer to a loss-making digital start up and put its journalism behind a paywall. 🧵
How can you support us?
SHARE our posts
WRITE to guardian.readers@theguardian.com
JOIN US - there's cake!
How can you support us?
SHARE our posts
WRITE to guardian.readers@theguardian.com
JOIN US - there's cake!
December 4, 2024 at 9:08 AM
Today Guardian and Observer journalists are on strike over plans to sell the Observer to a loss-making digital start up and put its journalism behind a paywall. 🧵
How can you support us?
SHARE our posts
WRITE to guardian.readers@theguardian.com
JOIN US - there's cake!
How can you support us?
SHARE our posts
WRITE to guardian.readers@theguardian.com
JOIN US - there's cake!
In this week’s newsletter, I respond to a bit from Richard Mabey’s new book (in which he likens the act of making a garden to a domineering act of colonialism) with lessons on disturbance from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s generous new book, The Serviceberry. A garden is not a colony, it's a disruption.
4.12.24 – on disturbance & The Serviceberry, and one last Kalendar
For three consecutive mornings this autumn, I spooked the robin and wren when I opened the back door for the dog.
podbypod.substack.com
December 4, 2024 at 7:21 PM
In this week’s newsletter, I respond to a bit from Richard Mabey’s new book (in which he likens the act of making a garden to a domineering act of colonialism) with lessons on disturbance from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s generous new book, The Serviceberry. A garden is not a colony, it's a disruption.
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
Every year, Spotify Wrapped becomes something that feels actively hostile to the enjoyment of music, now with more blatant data mining to train AI. which is bad enough, but also remember that Spotify CEO Daniel Ek is a primary investor in an AI predator drone company
Spotify Wrapped 2024 adds an AI podcast to recap your listening habits
Your yearly recap is here.
www.theverge.com
December 4, 2024 at 1:09 PM
Every year, Spotify Wrapped becomes something that feels actively hostile to the enjoyment of music, now with more blatant data mining to train AI. which is bad enough, but also remember that Spotify CEO Daniel Ek is a primary investor in an AI predator drone company
In this week’s newsletter, I respond to a quote from Richard Mabey’s new book The Accidental Garden (in which he likens the act of making a garden to a domineering act of colonialism) with the radical and urgent wisdom of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s generous new book, The Serviceberry.
4.12.24 – on disturbance & The Serviceberry, and one last Kalendar
For three consecutive mornings this autumn, I spooked the robin and wren when I opened the back door for the dog.
podbypod.substack.com
December 4, 2024 at 12:27 PM
In this week’s newsletter, I respond to a quote from Richard Mabey’s new book The Accidental Garden (in which he likens the act of making a garden to a domineering act of colonialism) with the radical and urgent wisdom of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s generous new book, The Serviceberry.
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
so inspired by Jasleen Kaur
makes me think of how representation at the gallery or lit event isn't the work done. the politics that underline our art aren't thought experiments. real life action must happen, a changed world must follow. if not, these places aren't housing our art, they're caging it
makes me think of how representation at the gallery or lit event isn't the work done. the politics that underline our art aren't thought experiments. real life action must happen, a changed world must follow. if not, these places aren't housing our art, they're caging it
❤️🔥 Jasleen Kaur, on winning the Turner Prize:
“I’ve been wondering why artists are required to dream up liberation in the gallery but when that dream meets life we are shut down”
youtu.be/6RoLMAf37qY
“I’ve been wondering why artists are required to dream up liberation in the gallery but when that dream meets life we are shut down”
youtu.be/6RoLMAf37qY
Turner Prize 2024 Jasleen Kaur
YouTube video by chunkymark
youtu.be
December 4, 2024 at 11:47 AM
so inspired by Jasleen Kaur
makes me think of how representation at the gallery or lit event isn't the work done. the politics that underline our art aren't thought experiments. real life action must happen, a changed world must follow. if not, these places aren't housing our art, they're caging it
makes me think of how representation at the gallery or lit event isn't the work done. the politics that underline our art aren't thought experiments. real life action must happen, a changed world must follow. if not, these places aren't housing our art, they're caging it
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Please sign and share if you'd like an end to moorland burning, raptor and mountain hare persecution, and the pointless slaughter of thousands of grouse for 'entertainment'. @chrisgpackham.bsky.social @markavery.bsky.social
Please sign and share if you'd like an end to moorland burning, raptor and mountain hare persecution, and the pointless slaughter of thousands of grouse for 'entertainment'. @chrisgpackham.bsky.social @markavery.bsky.social
Petition: Ban driven grouse shooting
Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery (Wild Justice) believe that driven grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife. People; we think grouse shooting is economically insignifi...
petition.parliament.uk
November 26, 2024 at 2:55 PM
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Please sign and share if you'd like an end to moorland burning, raptor and mountain hare persecution, and the pointless slaughter of thousands of grouse for 'entertainment'. @chrisgpackham.bsky.social @markavery.bsky.social
Please sign and share if you'd like an end to moorland burning, raptor and mountain hare persecution, and the pointless slaughter of thousands of grouse for 'entertainment'. @chrisgpackham.bsky.social @markavery.bsky.social
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
Nov 29-Dec 5 is #ReadPalestineWeek & Publishers 4 Palestine are releasing *free* ebooks for a Free Palestine
P4P already released AND STILL WE WRITE, which you can download below
"Print it and share it. Make it part of your actions on Nov 29-Dec 5" 🇵🇸🍉
publishersforpalestine.org/2024/11/19/l...
P4P already released AND STILL WE WRITE, which you can download below
"Print it and share it. Make it part of your actions on Nov 29-Dec 5" 🇵🇸🍉
publishersforpalestine.org/2024/11/19/l...
Launching ‘And Still We Write,’ an Anthology of New Work from and Centering Gaza
In advance of READ PALESTINE WEEK 2024, Publishers for Palestine is releasing a digital chapbook and abbreviated zine version of And Still We Write: Recent Work by Palestinian Poets & Actions Y…
publishersforpalestine.org
November 25, 2024 at 8:02 AM
Nov 29-Dec 5 is #ReadPalestineWeek & Publishers 4 Palestine are releasing *free* ebooks for a Free Palestine
P4P already released AND STILL WE WRITE, which you can download below
"Print it and share it. Make it part of your actions on Nov 29-Dec 5" 🇵🇸🍉
publishersforpalestine.org/2024/11/19/l...
P4P already released AND STILL WE WRITE, which you can download below
"Print it and share it. Make it part of your actions on Nov 29-Dec 5" 🇵🇸🍉
publishersforpalestine.org/2024/11/19/l...
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
it's absolutely heartbreaking and makes no sense that people in Gaza have to create gofundme pages to survive. if a gofundme page crosses your feed and you have the means to donate, if it doesn't set you back to offer £5 or £10 or more, if you haven't donated in a while, please do ❤️🩹
November 25, 2024 at 7:55 AM
it's absolutely heartbreaking and makes no sense that people in Gaza have to create gofundme pages to survive. if a gofundme page crosses your feed and you have the means to donate, if it doesn't set you back to offer £5 or £10 or more, if you haven't donated in a while, please do ❤️🩹
Reposted by Meg Bertera-Berwick
Have you ever seen an early medieval processional road?
We at @govanstones.bsky.social are VERY lucky to have a Viking-Age one in our 1,500-year churchyard at Govan Old, brought to light by Prof. Driscoll, Clyde Archaeology, University of Glasgow Archaeology students, and our community volunteers.
We at @govanstones.bsky.social are VERY lucky to have a Viking-Age one in our 1,500-year churchyard at Govan Old, brought to light by Prof. Driscoll, Clyde Archaeology, University of Glasgow Archaeology students, and our community volunteers.
November 24, 2024 at 3:09 PM
Have you ever seen an early medieval processional road?
We at @govanstones.bsky.social are VERY lucky to have a Viking-Age one in our 1,500-year churchyard at Govan Old, brought to light by Prof. Driscoll, Clyde Archaeology, University of Glasgow Archaeology students, and our community volunteers.
We at @govanstones.bsky.social are VERY lucky to have a Viking-Age one in our 1,500-year churchyard at Govan Old, brought to light by Prof. Driscoll, Clyde Archaeology, University of Glasgow Archaeology students, and our community volunteers.