Stephen Thomas
@nature.ox.ac.uk
Nature recoverer, Saunameister, Active travel micro-entrepreneur, husband, dad
Education & Equity | Nature Connectedness | Energy and Climate
https://bio.site/stephenthomas
Education & Equity | Nature Connectedness | Energy and Climate
https://bio.site/stephenthomas
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Exciting first weeks at @oxfordecosystems.bsky.social & @naturerecovery.bsky.social at Oxford Uni.
Great discussions on vegetation dynamics & restoration baselines. Next up: presenting the Danish Nature Indicator, a tool for prioritizing rewilding!
www.oxfordecosystems.org/post/deep-ti...
Great discussions on vegetation dynamics & restoration baselines. Next up: presenting the Danish Nature Indicator, a tool for prioritizing rewilding!
www.oxfordecosystems.org/post/deep-ti...
Deep-Time Perspectives on Vegetation Ecology: Skjold Søndergaard
Skjold Søndergaard discusses how long-term ecological processes inform contemporary approaches to vegetation restoration and biotic integrity.
www.oxfordecosystems.org
February 8, 2026 at 8:53 AM
Exciting first weeks at @oxfordecosystems.bsky.social & @naturerecovery.bsky.social at Oxford Uni.
Great discussions on vegetation dynamics & restoration baselines. Next up: presenting the Danish Nature Indicator, a tool for prioritizing rewilding!
www.oxfordecosystems.org/post/deep-ti...
Great discussions on vegetation dynamics & restoration baselines. Next up: presenting the Danish Nature Indicator, a tool for prioritizing rewilding!
www.oxfordecosystems.org/post/deep-ti...
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Once more for the weekend long read crowd....
In this weekend’s edition of Oxford’s best informed newsletter:
🌻 Net zero village to go ahead
⚽️ OUFC stadium one step closer
🎤 Amplified buskers could be banned
🐟 Veggie pub goes pescatarian
📚 Books! Events! Indie media! Occasional snark!
Read online or by email: oxfordclarion.uk/clarion-week...
🌻 Net zero village to go ahead
⚽️ OUFC stadium one step closer
🎤 Amplified buskers could be banned
🐟 Veggie pub goes pescatarian
📚 Books! Events! Indie media! Occasional snark!
Read online or by email: oxfordclarion.uk/clarion-week...
Clarion Weekend, 6 February 2026
Will this rain ever stop? Here is a boatload (geddit?) of news, including buskers, bridges and beer, dukes and dogs, pubs and phone boxes. And cheese. Put the kettle on.
This week’s top stories
The...
oxfordclarion.uk
February 7, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Once more for the weekend long read crowd....
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Our Nature Seminars started up again on Friday, with a great talk on Nightshades. Watch it here if you missed it: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7ri...
Here is the full term-card so you can ensure you get a seat in person (followed by a drinks reception) or online. bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
Here is the full term-card so you can ensure you get a seat in person (followed by a drinks reception) or online. bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
January 26, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Our Nature Seminars started up again on Friday, with a great talk on Nightshades. Watch it here if you missed it: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7ri...
Here is the full term-card so you can ensure you get a seat in person (followed by a drinks reception) or online. bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
Here is the full term-card so you can ensure you get a seat in person (followed by a drinks reception) or online. bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
“If we are to persuade society to take conservation seriously, we must … present it as the selfish, pragmatic goal of sustaining the conditions for human civilisation and other life on Earth”
Our Survival Ecology paper, not the UK Govt Nature Security Assessment
www.frontiersin.org/journals/con...
Our Survival Ecology paper, not the UK Govt Nature Security Assessment
www.frontiersin.org/journals/con...
Frontiers | In the Climate Emergency, Conservation Must Become Survival Ecology
•Earth faces a climate emergency which renders conservation goals largely obsolete.•Current conservation actions are inadequate because they i) underplay bio...
www.frontiersin.org
January 26, 2026 at 5:38 PM
“If we are to persuade society to take conservation seriously, we must … present it as the selfish, pragmatic goal of sustaining the conditions for human civilisation and other life on Earth”
Our Survival Ecology paper, not the UK Govt Nature Security Assessment
www.frontiersin.org/journals/con...
Our Survival Ecology paper, not the UK Govt Nature Security Assessment
www.frontiersin.org/journals/con...
We’re still welcoming activity ideas for the Oxford Nature Festival (27th June). Submissions don’t need to be fully developed. We’ll begin reviewing and shaping ideas with participants in February, so early stage ideas are very much encouraged.
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/call-fo...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/call-fo...
Call for activities for our inaugural Oxford Nature Festival
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
January 26, 2026 at 2:03 PM
We’re still welcoming activity ideas for the Oxford Nature Festival (27th June). Submissions don’t need to be fully developed. We’ll begin reviewing and shaping ideas with participants in February, so early stage ideas are very much encouraged.
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/call-fo...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/call-fo...
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Nature recovery is a complex process, addressing many negative drivers
To argue it is ok to “just do something” is unhelpful
That something may have little positive impact compared to alternatives
especially when scientific approaches to attribute causation, like contrasts & controls, are opposed
To argue it is ok to “just do something” is unhelpful
That something may have little positive impact compared to alternatives
especially when scientific approaches to attribute causation, like contrasts & controls, are opposed
January 25, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Nature recovery is a complex process, addressing many negative drivers
To argue it is ok to “just do something” is unhelpful
That something may have little positive impact compared to alternatives
especially when scientific approaches to attribute causation, like contrasts & controls, are opposed
To argue it is ok to “just do something” is unhelpful
That something may have little positive impact compared to alternatives
especially when scientific approaches to attribute causation, like contrasts & controls, are opposed
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
During the 1990s environmental damage was projected in the future to cause mass migration, food price increases, disease & extreme weather, among other things. We are living now in the beginning of that future. Taking action is vital for national security.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nature loss is a national security risk, intelligence groups warn
The degradation of ecosystems around the world threatens UK food security, a long-awaited report says.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 12:11 PM
During the 1990s environmental damage was projected in the future to cause mass migration, food price increases, disease & extreme weather, among other things. We are living now in the beginning of that future. Taking action is vital for national security.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
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...
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
January 20, 2026 at 6:15 PM
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...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Another outstanding set of Friday seminar speakers hosted by @naturerecovery.bsky.social. Highly recommend. 🙌
Our first Friday Nature Seminar will be on 23rd January with Dr. Sandra Knapp from the @nhm-london.bsky.social
Everyone is welcome to attend online or inperson, followed by a drinks reception.
bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
Everyone is welcome to attend online or inperson, followed by a drinks reception.
bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
January 15, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Another outstanding set of Friday seminar speakers hosted by @naturerecovery.bsky.social. Highly recommend. 🙌
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
A lot of what is said about Nature holding up development is simply not true. It’s wrong. False. At best misleading. If you’ve heard that newts are a cause of our national housing shortage, read this from @naturalengland.bsky.social
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/14/b...
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/14/b...
Building Homes, Restoring Nature: How District Level Licensing has streamlined development
By Mike Burke, Sustainable Development Portfolio Director Nature underpins our nation's growth, health, and security. Natural England's job is to recover nature whilst enabling our partners in the dev...
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk
January 15, 2026 at 7:09 PM
A lot of what is said about Nature holding up development is simply not true. It’s wrong. False. At best misleading. If you’ve heard that newts are a cause of our national housing shortage, read this from @naturalengland.bsky.social
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/14/b...
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/14/b...
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
ICYMI: an international team has developed a new framework for understanding sustainable development. Instead of separating nature, society and economy, David Obura and co. propose a model that positions nature as the foundation.
Scientists call for 'systems reset' to redefine sustainable development
A new international study calls for a fundamental reset in how humanity understands and pursues sustainable development. The article is published in the journal Communications Sustainability.
phys.org
January 12, 2026 at 10:53 AM
ICYMI: an international team has developed a new framework for understanding sustainable development. Instead of separating nature, society and economy, David Obura and co. propose a model that positions nature as the foundation.
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Jason Williams, 'The Cloud Gardener' joins our researchers to explore how greening even the smallest spaces can transform lives. From balcony biodiversity in Manchester to research on Oxford’s green spaces, this episode digs into small ideas with big impacts.
@ecioxford.bsky.social
@ecioxford.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Jason Williams, 'The Cloud Gardener' joins our researchers to explore how greening even the smallest spaces can transform lives. From balcony biodiversity in Manchester to research on Oxford’s green spaces, this episode digs into small ideas with big impacts.
@ecioxford.bsky.social
@ecioxford.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
📢NEW PODCAST: Prof. Cristina Banks-Leite explores the realities of tropical forest restoration—from challenges like seedlings, land tenure & finance to why “success” can seem counter-intuitive. She highlights how better biodiversity metrics, acoustic monitoring & AI can reshape ecosystem recovery.
November 26, 2025 at 10:47 AM
📢NEW PODCAST: Prof. Cristina Banks-Leite explores the realities of tropical forest restoration—from challenges like seedlings, land tenure & finance to why “success” can seem counter-intuitive. She highlights how better biodiversity metrics, acoustic monitoring & AI can reshape ecosystem recovery.
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
How should we think about killing, introductions & invasives in a world we’ve already changed? In this podcast, we talk to @hedgehoghugh.bsky.social ecologist, writer & #hedgehog champion about his book 'Cull of the Wild' & the uncomfortable question at its heart: can killing ever be conservation?
November 12, 2025 at 9:01 AM
How should we think about killing, introductions & invasives in a world we’ve already changed? In this podcast, we talk to @hedgehoghugh.bsky.social ecologist, writer & #hedgehog champion about his book 'Cull of the Wild' & the uncomfortable question at its heart: can killing ever be conservation?
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Did you miss @hedgehoghugh.bsky.social's lively talk last Friday? If so, don't worry, you can watch it at leisure here now. 🦔
@ecioxford.bsky.social @oxfordgeography.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
@ecioxford.bsky.social @oxfordgeography.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
Cull of the Wild: Killing in the Name of Conservation. Hugh Warwick, Ecologist and author
YouTube video by Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Did you miss @hedgehoghugh.bsky.social's lively talk last Friday? If so, don't worry, you can watch it at leisure here now. 🦔
@ecioxford.bsky.social @oxfordgeography.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
@ecioxford.bsky.social @oxfordgeography.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
🎉 Congratulations to our Centre Director, Prof @ymalhi.bsky.social, on being awarded the Ramon Margalef Prize in Ecology! 🌿 A well-deserved recognition of his pioneering research on tropical forests and global leadership in ecology.
🔗 naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/4071 @ecioxford.bsky.social
🔗 naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/4071 @ecioxford.bsky.social
Professor Yadvinder Malhi, Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery Director, awarded Ramon Margalef Prize in Ecology
News Article - Award
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
November 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🎉 Congratulations to our Centre Director, Prof @ymalhi.bsky.social, on being awarded the Ramon Margalef Prize in Ecology! 🌿 A well-deserved recognition of his pioneering research on tropical forests and global leadership in ecology.
🔗 naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/4071 @ecioxford.bsky.social
🔗 naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/4071 @ecioxford.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
We often forget how far we have come:
➡️ Today almost 50% of EU electricity generation is from renewable energy sources.
➡️ It is not long ago that fossil fuels dominated the EU's electricity mix. This year their share is approaching 1/4 of EU electricity generation.
Source: @ember-energy.org
➡️ Today almost 50% of EU electricity generation is from renewable energy sources.
➡️ It is not long ago that fossil fuels dominated the EU's electricity mix. This year their share is approaching 1/4 of EU electricity generation.
Source: @ember-energy.org
October 19, 2025 at 11:52 AM
We often forget how far we have come:
➡️ Today almost 50% of EU electricity generation is from renewable energy sources.
➡️ It is not long ago that fossil fuels dominated the EU's electricity mix. This year their share is approaching 1/4 of EU electricity generation.
Source: @ember-energy.org
➡️ Today almost 50% of EU electricity generation is from renewable energy sources.
➡️ It is not long ago that fossil fuels dominated the EU's electricity mix. This year their share is approaching 1/4 of EU electricity generation.
Source: @ember-energy.org
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
The Rights of Nature movement isn’t just legal theory it reimagines economics, governance & finance to serve life, not extract from it. Can our current economic mindset, wedded to GDP growth, adapt to a model that values ecosystem health as much as profit? Read our blog here
@ecioxford.bsky.social
@ecioxford.bsky.social
Rethinking the Economy through recognising the Rights of Nature
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
October 13, 2025 at 10:13 AM
The Rights of Nature movement isn’t just legal theory it reimagines economics, governance & finance to serve life, not extract from it. Can our current economic mindset, wedded to GDP growth, adapt to a model that values ecosystem health as much as profit? Read our blog here
@ecioxford.bsky.social
@ecioxford.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
📢OUR NEW PODCAST discusses legal personhood of nature, also known as rights of nature or more-than-human rights.
We talk to lawyer and professor Cesar Rodriguez-Garavito, the founding director of the More-than-Human Life (MOTH) Collective. @ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
We talk to lawyer and professor Cesar Rodriguez-Garavito, the founding director of the More-than-Human Life (MOTH) Collective. @ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
Podcast: More than Human Rights with César Rodríguez-Garavito
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
October 9, 2025 at 9:06 AM
📢OUR NEW PODCAST discusses legal personhood of nature, also known as rights of nature or more-than-human rights.
We talk to lawyer and professor Cesar Rodriguez-Garavito, the founding director of the More-than-Human Life (MOTH) Collective. @ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
We talk to lawyer and professor Cesar Rodriguez-Garavito, the founding director of the More-than-Human Life (MOTH) Collective. @ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Same story - 2 very different takes.
Reeves claims she unblocked a development being held up by a "microscopic snail or something", while Natural England claim they and the EA negotiated an agreement with Southern Water, to reduce water abstraction from the snail's habitat.
Reeves claims she unblocked a development being held up by a "microscopic snail or something", while Natural England claim they and the EA negotiated an agreement with Southern Water, to reduce water abstraction from the snail's habitat.
October 9, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Same story - 2 very different takes.
Reeves claims she unblocked a development being held up by a "microscopic snail or something", while Natural England claim they and the EA negotiated an agreement with Southern Water, to reduce water abstraction from the snail's habitat.
Reeves claims she unblocked a development being held up by a "microscopic snail or something", while Natural England claim they and the EA negotiated an agreement with Southern Water, to reduce water abstraction from the snail's habitat.
What if we treated our rivers and forests with the same legal deference we treat corporations?
www.buzzsprout.com/2135393/epis...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/toolkits/rig...
www.buzzsprout.com/2135393/epis...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/toolkits/rig...
More than Human Rights with César Rodríguez-Garavito - The Nature Recovery Podcast
This episode of the Nature Recovery Podcast discusses legal personhood of nature, also known as rights of nature or more-than-human rights. Hosts Stephen Thomas, Hannah Wilson, and Diana Gusta sit dow...
www.buzzsprout.com
October 9, 2025 at 7:49 AM
What if we treated our rivers and forests with the same legal deference we treat corporations?
www.buzzsprout.com/2135393/epis...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/toolkits/rig...
www.buzzsprout.com/2135393/epis...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/toolkits/rig...
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Rights of Nature laws shift Nature from object to subject-but turning ideals into impact depends on legal detail. Ecuador’s bold vision, NZ’s guardianship model: both inspire, but face challenges. Curious how principle meets practice? Read our intern's blog on RoN in action 🌿
@ecioxford.bsky.social
@ecioxford.bsky.social
Rights of Nature: Different Legal Frameworks and implications
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
October 8, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Rights of Nature laws shift Nature from object to subject-but turning ideals into impact depends on legal detail. Ecuador’s bold vision, NZ’s guardianship model: both inspire, but face challenges. Curious how principle meets practice? Read our intern's blog on RoN in action 🌿
@ecioxford.bsky.social
@ecioxford.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Empowering People‘s Aspirations to Shape a Better Future for Life on Earth 🌍🌐
youtu.be/yFBXyrU0JBc?...
youtu.be/yFBXyrU0JBc?...
Empowering People‘s Aspirations to Shape a Better Future for Life on Earth
YouTube video by SenckenbergWorld
youtu.be
July 10, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Empowering People‘s Aspirations to Shape a Better Future for Life on Earth 🌍🌐
youtu.be/yFBXyrU0JBc?...
youtu.be/yFBXyrU0JBc?...
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Read our response to Defra's consultation on improving the implementation of #Biodiversity Net Gain for minor, medium and Brownfield development.
Our response to Defra’s consultation on improving the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain for minor, medium and brownfield development
Read our response to the consultation here
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
July 4, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Read our response to Defra's consultation on improving the implementation of #Biodiversity Net Gain for minor, medium and Brownfield development.
Reposted by Stephen Thomas
Our researchers have just returned from fieldwork in #Scotland, where they are using passive acoustic monitoring to survey bats & birds, & trialling a method for assessing invertebrates. @emilywarner.bsky.social & @ellabrowning.bsky.social's passion for their research comes across in this blog.
Acoustic monitoring fieldwork in the Scottish Highlands
Ella Browning and Emily Warner We have just completed two weeks of successful data collection in Caledonian pinewood in the Scottish Highlands. Using passive acoustic monitoring to survey bats and bir...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
July 3, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Our researchers have just returned from fieldwork in #Scotland, where they are using passive acoustic monitoring to survey bats & birds, & trialling a method for assessing invertebrates. @emilywarner.bsky.social & @ellabrowning.bsky.social's passion for their research comes across in this blog.