Patrick Barkham
@patrickbarkham.bsky.social
Guardian Natural History Writer, author of The Swimmer – the Wild Life of Roger Deakin, Wild Child, Islander, Badgerlands, The Butterfly Isles and a few others. President of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Special interests: butterflies, trees, restoring nature.
Pinned
‘We hate it. It’s desecration’: the real cost of HS2
The long read: Ten years after I first followed the proposed route, I retraced my steps to see what life was like along the world’s most expensive, heavily delayed railway line
www.theguardian.com
I walked the line of HS2 from London to Birmingham. This is what I found: www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte... More widely, the scale of construction going on outside Birmingham was epic. All this striving for... no economic growth. The model isn't working anymore.
Brent geese sound like “a cement mixer being cleaned with bricks”? Calumny! They make the most gorgeous purring conversation. And I agree with @levparikian.bsky.social, they are the most beautiful geese. Lovely country diary here: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Country diary: Postcard from a pier, where brent geese are the main attraction | Lev Parikian
Ryde, Isle of Wight: Lots of commotion here among the hovercraft and herring gulls, but it’s the wonderful, tubby geese that make my winter
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Brent geese sound like “a cement mixer being cleaned with bricks”? Calumny! They make the most gorgeous purring conversation. And I agree with @levparikian.bsky.social, they are the most beautiful geese. Lovely country diary here: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Patrick Barkham
Good to see Minette Batters, ex-NFU Prez, say in her Farm Review that "the principles behind Landscape Recovery and Countryside Stewardship are sound, but there is a need to scale the concept" - & propose Landscape Recovery projects for all 93 English river catchments!
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
December 19, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Good to see Minette Batters, ex-NFU Prez, say in her Farm Review that "the principles behind Landscape Recovery and Countryside Stewardship are sound, but there is a need to scale the concept" - & propose Landscape Recovery projects for all 93 English river catchments!
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Really pleased to be contributing to an event at the British Library celebrating the FANTASTIC Ronnie Blythe, with Ian Collins (who has written the brilliant biography of his life) Jenny Hall and Helen Melody. Tickets here: events.bl.uk/events/the-r...
The Remarkable Life of Ronald Blythe | British Library
Ronald Blythe (1922–2023) was one of Britain’s most distinctive and cherished chroniclers of rural life. His classic, Akenfield: Portrait of an English Vil
events.bl.uk
December 18, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Really pleased to be contributing to an event at the British Library celebrating the FANTASTIC Ronnie Blythe, with Ian Collins (who has written the brilliant biography of his life) Jenny Hall and Helen Melody. Tickets here: events.bl.uk/events/the-r...
I'd like to chat to one or two people, ideally women (I've already talked to a load of men) who've got into the Merlin app for identifying birdsong this year. For a nice positive story. Please drop me a line, thank you!
December 17, 2025 at 9:14 AM
I'd like to chat to one or two people, ideally women (I've already talked to a load of men) who've got into the Merlin app for identifying birdsong this year. For a nice positive story. Please drop me a line, thank you!
I walked the line of HS2 from London to Birmingham. This is what I found: www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte... More widely, the scale of construction going on outside Birmingham was epic. All this striving for... no economic growth. The model isn't working anymore.
‘We hate it. It’s desecration’: the real cost of HS2
The long read: Ten years after I first followed the proposed route, I retraced my steps to see what life was like along the world’s most expensive, heavily delayed railway line
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:18 AM
I walked the line of HS2 from London to Birmingham. This is what I found: www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte... More widely, the scale of construction going on outside Birmingham was epic. All this striving for... no economic growth. The model isn't working anymore.
Exciting project to bring beautiful wildlife and people together in Barking & Dagenham – great work London Wildlife Trust! www.theguardian.com/environment/...
White storks to make historic return to London in 2026
Species extinct as breeding birds in Britain since 1416 to be reintroduced in Barking and Dagenham as part of rewilding effort
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Exciting project to bring beautiful wildlife and people together in Barking & Dagenham – great work London Wildlife Trust! www.theguardian.com/environment/...
This brilliant documentary is a fabulous, funny and vital exploration of farming and rewilding, starring @derekgow1965.bsky.social & his farmer neighbour Derek Banbury. Its maker is seeking funds to show the film to the most important audience: farmers! www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/derek-vs-d...
Saving British Nature - can you help?
To persuade hundreds of UK farmers to give their marginal unproductive land over to saving nature
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 10:01 AM
This brilliant documentary is a fabulous, funny and vital exploration of farming and rewilding, starring @derekgow1965.bsky.social & his farmer neighbour Derek Banbury. Its maker is seeking funds to show the film to the most important audience: farmers! www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/derek-vs-d...
Congratulations Norwich City Council for recognising the rights of the River Wensum – the lifeblood of the fine city of Norwich and the reason the city is here in the first place. www.edp24.co.uk/news/2565056...
'I flow, therefore I am?' Councillors get philosophical over bid to give river rights
A bid to better protect the River Wensum through supporting a movement to grant it legal rights has been approved unanimously by Norwich City…
www.edp24.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Congratulations Norwich City Council for recognising the rights of the River Wensum – the lifeblood of the fine city of Norwich and the reason the city is here in the first place. www.edp24.co.uk/news/2565056...
In case you missed this great story earlier in the week... Hooray for the Youngwilders! (www.youngwilders.org)
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘It fully changed my life!’ How young rewilders transformed a farm – and began a movement
At Maple Farm, nature is returning in droves: nightingales, grass snakes, slowworms, bats and insects. All due to the vision of a group determined to accelerate its recovery
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:43 PM
In case you missed this great story earlier in the week... Hooray for the Youngwilders! (www.youngwilders.org)
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
My dad John Barkham died recently. I mention it because some conservation scientists on here may have been taught or inspired by him. He inspired me. Thanks so much to everyone who attended or watched his funeral (it's still online) or donated to Norfolk Wildlife Trust 🙏 john-barkham.muchloved.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:32 PM
My dad John Barkham died recently. I mention it because some conservation scientists on here may have been taught or inspired by him. He inspired me. Thanks so much to everyone who attended or watched his funeral (it's still online) or donated to Norfolk Wildlife Trust 🙏 john-barkham.muchloved.com
One of THE best journalists on the Observer/in Britain, Rachel Cooke, has died, all too soon. She was so clever, kind, wise and a brilliant interviewer who inspired me. Really lovely tribute by Tim Adams here: observer.co.uk/news/nationa... Rest in Peace Rachel, and deep condolences to your family.
Remembering Rachel Cooke | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 10:24 AM
One of THE best journalists on the Observer/in Britain, Rachel Cooke, has died, all too soon. She was so clever, kind, wise and a brilliant interviewer who inspired me. Really lovely tribute by Tim Adams here: observer.co.uk/news/nationa... Rest in Peace Rachel, and deep condolences to your family.
So much global political doom and gloom but so much heartening action happening at grassroots - the more we all take part in local, loving action for the planet (and us), the better we all feel and the more real hope for the future. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Next great leap’: grassroots movement to wild East Anglia goes national
Set up by three ‘eco-anxious’ farmers, WildEast has created UK-wide version of pledge to encourage people to restore nature
www.theguardian.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:22 PM
So much global political doom and gloom but so much heartening action happening at grassroots - the more we all take part in local, loving action for the planet (and us), the better we all feel and the more real hope for the future. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Patrick Barkham
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
October 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
A mandatory swift brick for every new home won't be supported by Housing Secretary Steve Reed. That's quite a u-turn from the former Environment Secretary. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Government U-turns on support for bird-friendly swift bricks in new homes
Housing minister Steve Reed refuses to back mandating measure, despite giving support while in environment job
www.theguardian.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A mandatory swift brick for every new home won't be supported by Housing Secretary Steve Reed. That's quite a u-turn from the former Environment Secretary. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More than half of all bird species are in decline. But good news about green sea turtles - we can save species if we really try!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More than half of world’s bird species in decline, as leaders meet on extinction crisis
Biodiversity losses are growing, the IUCN reports as summit opens, but green turtle’s recovery ‘reminds us conservation works’
www.theguardian.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM
More than half of all bird species are in decline. But good news about green sea turtles - we can save species if we really try!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
We are nature. Its best interests are our best interests. So it's pretty dim of our chancellor to again pit wildlife against people, boasting of 20,000 homes built despite "some snails" that "are a protected species or something". www.theguardian.com/environment/... Unsavoury lobbying here too.
Rachel Reeves clears planning blockage amid ‘good relationship’ with developer
Exclusive: Chancellor says 20,000 homes were being held up due to ‘some snails that are a protected species or something’
www.theguardian.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:15 AM
We are nature. Its best interests are our best interests. So it's pretty dim of our chancellor to again pit wildlife against people, boasting of 20,000 homes built despite "some snails" that "are a protected species or something". www.theguardian.com/environment/... Unsavoury lobbying here too.
As a young reporter, I interviewed Jilly Cooper about the Animals in War memorial – she was so warm, kind and funny. I imagine she was a great friend to everyone she met. A lovely person.
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
Dame Jilly Cooper obituary
Author whose bestselling novels, including Riders and Rivals, were set deep in an English countryside where the natives pursued land, sports, and each other, with lust and gusto
www.theguardian.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:40 PM
As a young reporter, I interviewed Jilly Cooper about the Animals in War memorial – she was so warm, kind and funny. I imagine she was a great friend to everyone she met. A lovely person.
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
Calling young people aged 14 and under! The Guardian is looking for your 250-word pieces of writing about nature and landscape for the Young Country Diary. Entry here (and published diaries will be paid): www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Nature boys and girls – here’s your chance to get published in the Guardian
Our wildlife series Young Country Diary is looking for articles written by children, about their autumn encounters with nature
www.theguardian.com
October 6, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Calling young people aged 14 and under! The Guardian is looking for your 250-word pieces of writing about nature and landscape for the Young Country Diary. Entry here (and published diaries will be paid): www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I wrote this story back in 2020 about Larch Maxey www.theguardian.com/environment/... Now he faces losing his home - fundraiser here: gofund.me/ce4ec3de0
‘Seeing the trees being ripped down is really hard’: meet a father and son protesting against HS2
The controversial HS2 route slices through some of England’s most precious woodland. But standing in its way are father and son Larch and Seb Maxey. They explain why living 30ft off the ground in prec...
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 8:53 PM
I wrote this story back in 2020 about Larch Maxey www.theguardian.com/environment/... Now he faces losing his home - fundraiser here: gofund.me/ce4ec3de0
Extraordinary that a peaceful environmental protester faces losing his home over his opposition to the destruction of ancient woods and trees. Gofundme page for Dr Larch Maxey here gofund.me/ce4ec3de0 @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
Donate to Save Larch’s home from HS2, organized by Merlin Matthews
Hi, Dr. Larch Maxey has dedicated 40 years to sustainability and climate solutions. In 2020… Merlin Matthews needs your support for Save Larch’s home from HS2
gofund.me
October 3, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Extraordinary that a peaceful environmental protester faces losing his home over his opposition to the destruction of ancient woods and trees. Gofundme page for Dr Larch Maxey here gofund.me/ce4ec3de0 @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
In case you missed this, natural areas equivalent in size to Cyprus have been lost across Europe in just 5 years (2018-2023). www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK fifth-worst country in Europe for loss of green space to development
Exclusive: 1,680 football pitches of protected natural land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland lost in five years
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 11:23 AM
In case you missed this, natural areas equivalent in size to Cyprus have been lost across Europe in just 5 years (2018-2023). www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Great appeal here to protect a fantastic ancient woodland in Buckinghamshire. I've just walked through this landscape – the ancient royal hunting forest of Bernwood is being bisected by HS2 – and it is a magical area. Good luck @bbowt.bsky.social! www.bbowt.org.uk/news/wildlif...
Wildlife Trust launches £300,000 appeal to protect ancient woodland in Buckinghamshire | Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) has launched its £300,000 appeal to secure the future of Hamgreen Wood, an ancient woodland home to rare bat and butterfly species.
www.bbowt.org.uk
October 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Great appeal here to protect a fantastic ancient woodland in Buckinghamshire. I've just walked through this landscape – the ancient royal hunting forest of Bernwood is being bisected by HS2 – and it is a magical area. Good luck @bbowt.bsky.social! www.bbowt.org.uk/news/wildlif...
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
As my daughter got sicker and sicker, our quest for answers dragged on. How did we all miss the bacteria taking over her body?
I write about nature, but when Milly got sick with a mystery illness, it never occurred to me that a long-forgotten tick bite could be the cause
www.theguardian.com
September 28, 2025 at 8:20 AM
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
If you pick up the Guardian Weekend Magazine today, please read about my daughter Milly’s battle with Lyme disease. And if you’re feeling bold, drop your copy into your local GP. There are thousands of Millys out there. Most are currently not helped at all by the NHS or, worse, not believed.
September 27, 2025 at 9:23 AM
If you pick up the Guardian Weekend Magazine today, please read about my daughter Milly’s battle with Lyme disease. And if you’re feeling bold, drop your copy into your local GP. There are thousands of Millys out there. Most are currently not helped at all by the NHS or, worse, not believed.
If you pick up the Guardian Weekend Magazine today, please read about my daughter Milly’s battle with Lyme disease. And if you’re feeling bold, drop your copy into your local GP. There are thousands of Millys out there. Most are currently not helped at all by the NHS or, worse, not believed.
September 27, 2025 at 9:06 AM
If you pick up the Guardian Weekend Magazine today, please read about my daughter Milly’s battle with Lyme disease. And if you’re feeling bold, drop your copy into your local GP. There are thousands of Millys out there. Most are currently not helped at all by the NHS or, worse, not believed.