Julian Hughes
@penrhynbirder.bsky.social
Nature, and saving it.
Editor Welsh Bird Report. https://birdsin.wales/
Weekly BirdNotes in Daily Post North Wales. http://www.birdnotes.wales/
Co-editor of The Birds of Wales. http://tinyurl.com/TheBirdsOfWales
Editor Welsh Bird Report. https://birdsin.wales/
Weekly BirdNotes in Daily Post North Wales. http://www.birdnotes.wales/
Co-editor of The Birds of Wales. http://tinyurl.com/TheBirdsOfWales
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Rare butterflies bounce back after landowners in Wales cut back on flailing hedges
Rare butterflies bounce back after landowners in Wales cut back on flailing hedges
More than 300 brown hairstreak butterfly eggs discovered near Llandeilo this winter after decade of decline
Record numbers of eggs of the rare brown hairstreak butterfly have been found in south-west Wales after landowners stopped flailing hedges every year.
The butterfly lays its eggs on blackthorn every summer. But when land managers and farmers mechanically cut hedges every autumn, thousands of the eggs are unknowingly destroyed. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:10 AM
Rare butterflies bounce back after landowners in Wales cut back on flailing hedges
Reposted by Julian Hughes
1/ Spotted Flycatchers are in trouble, declining by 92% in the UK between 1967 and 2020. New work led by @cateden91.bsky.social & involving BTO has revealed the importance of rivers for the survival of this Red-listed migratory species. ⬇️ #Ornithology
📖 www.bto.org/Spotted-Flyc...
📖 www.bto.org/Spotted-Flyc...
January 29, 2026 at 8:42 AM
1/ Spotted Flycatchers are in trouble, declining by 92% in the UK between 1967 and 2020. New work led by @cateden91.bsky.social & involving BTO has revealed the importance of rivers for the survival of this Red-listed migratory species. ⬇️ #Ornithology
📖 www.bto.org/Spotted-Flyc...
📖 www.bto.org/Spotted-Flyc...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
New UKCEH research shows UK saltmarshes are significant carbon sinks, storing ~6.5 t CO₂e ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, comparable to mangroves and seagrasses.
Saltmarshes aren't yet included in the UK GHG Inventory, but the evidence base is strengthening.
Read more:
www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-med...
🧪 1/
Saltmarshes aren't yet included in the UK GHG Inventory, but the evidence base is strengthening.
Read more:
www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-med...
🧪 1/
January 29, 2026 at 12:27 PM
New UKCEH research shows UK saltmarshes are significant carbon sinks, storing ~6.5 t CO₂e ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, comparable to mangroves and seagrasses.
Saltmarshes aren't yet included in the UK GHG Inventory, but the evidence base is strengthening.
Read more:
www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-med...
🧪 1/
Saltmarshes aren't yet included in the UK GHG Inventory, but the evidence base is strengthening.
Read more:
www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-med...
🧪 1/
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Wales must fundamentally rethink how it heats homes, grows food, travels, and uses land if it is to avoid deepening climate and nature crises, the new chair of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has said
Wales' natural resources at critical tipping point, NRW report finds
Wales must fundamentally rethink how it heats homes, grows food, travels, and uses land if it is to avoid deepening climate and nature crises, the new chair of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has said. ...
nation.cymru
January 29, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Wales must fundamentally rethink how it heats homes, grows food, travels, and uses land if it is to avoid deepening climate and nature crises, the new chair of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has said
Reposted by Julian Hughes
BREAKING: A Gamekeeper has pleaded guilty in England’s first-ever Hen Harrier persecution case.
Covert video and audio gathered lawfully by the RSPB Investigations team has helped expose the deliberate targeting of a Hen Harrier, leading to a landmark guilty plea:
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 👈
Covert video and audio gathered lawfully by the RSPB Investigations team has helped expose the deliberate targeting of a Hen Harrier, leading to a landmark guilty plea:
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 👈
January 29, 2026 at 5:11 PM
BREAKING: A Gamekeeper has pleaded guilty in England’s first-ever Hen Harrier persecution case.
Covert video and audio gathered lawfully by the RSPB Investigations team has helped expose the deliberate targeting of a Hen Harrier, leading to a landmark guilty plea:
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 👈
Covert video and audio gathered lawfully by the RSPB Investigations team has helped expose the deliberate targeting of a Hen Harrier, leading to a landmark guilty plea:
www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 👈
Go Cymru!
"Wales is second in the world for recycling, leading the way in the UK and just behind Austria in the global rankings"
A really good illustration of how funding and target-setting drives behavioural change. The 'voluntary approach' is rarely sufficient, but often relied on as policy.
"Wales is second in the world for recycling, leading the way in the UK and just behind Austria in the global rankings"
A really good illustration of how funding and target-setting drives behavioural change. The 'voluntary approach' is rarely sufficient, but often relied on as policy.
Recycling has increased again as Wales continues its journey towards being a zero-waste nation
New stats show another increase in recycling in Wales
Recycling has increased again as Wales continues its journey towards being a zero-waste nation. Local authority municipal waste figures released today, Thursday 29 January, show the recycling rate has...
wp.me
January 29, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Go Cymru!
"Wales is second in the world for recycling, leading the way in the UK and just behind Austria in the global rankings"
A really good illustration of how funding and target-setting drives behavioural change. The 'voluntary approach' is rarely sufficient, but often relied on as policy.
"Wales is second in the world for recycling, leading the way in the UK and just behind Austria in the global rankings"
A really good illustration of how funding and target-setting drives behavioural change. The 'voluntary approach' is rarely sufficient, but often relied on as policy.
Reposted by Julian Hughes
🌈🌿 Ymunwch â'n gweminar #AmrywiolwrthNatur nesaf ar gynhwysiant LHDT+ yn y sector amgylchedd a chadwraeth
📅 18 Chwefror | ⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
🔗 Cofrestrwch: event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
#NaturamByth
📅 18 Chwefror | ⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
🔗 Cofrestrwch: event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
#NaturamByth
January 29, 2026 at 10:28 AM
🌈🌿 Ymunwch â'n gweminar #AmrywiolwrthNatur nesaf ar gynhwysiant LHDT+ yn y sector amgylchedd a chadwraeth
📅 18 Chwefror | ⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
🔗 Cofrestrwch: event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
#NaturamByth
📅 18 Chwefror | ⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
🔗 Cofrestrwch: event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
#NaturamByth
Reposted by Julian Hughes
🌈🌿 Join our next #DiverseByNature webinar on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the environment & conservation sector
📅 18 Feb | ⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
🔗 Register: event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
#NaturamByth
📅 18 Feb | ⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
🔗 Register: event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
#NaturamByth
January 29, 2026 at 10:29 AM
🌈🌿 Join our next #DiverseByNature webinar on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the environment & conservation sector
📅 18 Feb | ⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
🔗 Register: event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
#NaturamByth
📅 18 Feb | ⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
🔗 Register: event.swisscom.ch/v/diversebyn...
#NaturamByth
Reposted by Julian Hughes
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Yet another report insisting we *must* tackle the catastrophic loss of nature immediately to ensure our, and our children’s future . . . but will our politicians listen? 🤔
Yet another report insisting we *must* tackle the catastrophic loss of nature immediately to ensure our, and our children’s future . . . but will our politicians listen? 🤔
Natural Resources Wales issues stark warning over wildlife loss and polluted rivers
A major Welsh environment report calls for action across society so people can live more sustainably.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 9:39 AM
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Yet another report insisting we *must* tackle the catastrophic loss of nature immediately to ensure our, and our children’s future . . . but will our politicians listen? 🤔
Yet another report insisting we *must* tackle the catastrophic loss of nature immediately to ensure our, and our children’s future . . . but will our politicians listen? 🤔
"Only 20% of features in SSSIs were reported to be in favourable condition, and the condition of 50% of features was unknown"
Not looking great for "30x30" commitment if half of our crown jewels are in an unknown state... or even there.
2030 is in the term of the next Welsh Government.
Not looking great for "30x30" commitment if half of our crown jewels are in an unknown state... or even there.
2030 is in the term of the next Welsh Government.
Here's our latest blog from @rspbcymru.bsky.social on if our most at-risk and precious species are really being helped by sites designated for them.
SSSIs, SACs, SPAs, 'designated landscapes', nature reserves... whatever you call them, how are they doing for nature?
waleslink.org/protected-si...
SSSIs, SACs, SPAs, 'designated landscapes', nature reserves... whatever you call them, how are they doing for nature?
waleslink.org/protected-si...
Protected Sites – Safe havens for Wales’ wildlife? - Wales Environment Link
Guest Blog: Rachel Bedwin at RSPB Cymru Nature is in crisis in Wales – wildlife numbers are plummeting, with one in six species at risk of being lost from Wales according to the State of Nature 2023. ...
waleslink.org
January 28, 2026 at 2:49 PM
"Only 20% of features in SSSIs were reported to be in favourable condition, and the condition of 50% of features was unknown"
Not looking great for "30x30" commitment if half of our crown jewels are in an unknown state... or even there.
2030 is in the term of the next Welsh Government.
Not looking great for "30x30" commitment if half of our crown jewels are in an unknown state... or even there.
2030 is in the term of the next Welsh Government.
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Swift bricks to be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after Holyrood backs ruling
Swift bricks to be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after Holyrood backs ruling
Rest of UK has so far resisted calls to make it mandatory for developers to install bricks that provide nesting for swifts and other endangered birds
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Swift bricks to be installed in all new buildings in Scotland after Holyrood backs ruling
Reposted by Julian Hughes
The RSPB has reported that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, all on or close to land managed for grouse shooting:
Seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers lost on English grouse moors in 2025
The RSPB has announced that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, renewing calls for licensing of all gamebird shooting to tackle raptor persecution.
bit.ly
January 28, 2026 at 9:56 AM
The RSPB has reported that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, all on or close to land managed for grouse shooting:
Fantastic news from the Scottish Parliament. Well done everyone involved.
A real shame that Wales had the opportunity to be ahead of the game last year and didn't take it, despite strong support from a number of @senedd.wales Members when @juliabarrell.bsky.social's petition was considered.
A real shame that Wales had the opportunity to be ahead of the game last year and didn't take it, despite strong support from a number of @senedd.wales Members when @juliabarrell.bsky.social's petition was considered.
Tears of joy! SCOTLAND HAS JUST PASSED SWIFT BRICKS INTO LAW unanimously!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk now!WOOP!
4 years of asking England & Scotland sorts it in a month led by ACE MARK RUSKELL MSP ♥️The RELIEF is unreal! Tell England to follow 🏴by emailing PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk now!WOOP!
January 27, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Fantastic news from the Scottish Parliament. Well done everyone involved.
A real shame that Wales had the opportunity to be ahead of the game last year and didn't take it, despite strong support from a number of @senedd.wales Members when @juliabarrell.bsky.social's petition was considered.
A real shame that Wales had the opportunity to be ahead of the game last year and didn't take it, despite strong support from a number of @senedd.wales Members when @juliabarrell.bsky.social's petition was considered.
One of my favourite books is Wild America, the 1953 trip made by legendary naturalists Roger Tory Peterson (USA) and James Fisher (UK).
Some of it was filmed and RTP took that on tour to theaters across the States. Until today, that was the only opportunity to see it (1/2)
youtu.be/irjm8dxb0xA?...
Some of it was filmed and RTP took that on tour to theaters across the States. Until today, that was the only opportunity to see it (1/2)
youtu.be/irjm8dxb0xA?...
WILD AMERICA
YouTube video by Roger Tory Peterson Institute
youtu.be
January 27, 2026 at 9:38 PM
One of my favourite books is Wild America, the 1953 trip made by legendary naturalists Roger Tory Peterson (USA) and James Fisher (UK).
Some of it was filmed and RTP took that on tour to theaters across the States. Until today, that was the only opportunity to see it (1/2)
youtu.be/irjm8dxb0xA?...
Some of it was filmed and RTP took that on tour to theaters across the States. Until today, that was the only opportunity to see it (1/2)
youtu.be/irjm8dxb0xA?...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
The 2024 issue of Bird Census News is published and includes 3 new articles: using historical bird data in Denmark to examine century-wise changes; the impact of the Usutu virus on wild bird populations in Belgium; and status and conservation of the Cinereous vulture in Armenia. shorturl.at/j55X6
January 27, 2026 at 6:01 PM
The 2024 issue of Bird Census News is published and includes 3 new articles: using historical bird data in Denmark to examine century-wise changes; the impact of the Usutu virus on wild bird populations in Belgium; and status and conservation of the Cinereous vulture in Armenia. shorturl.at/j55X6
Anyone on Ynys Mon who could help? @angbirdnews.bsky.social
Are you a birder in Wales who can count these small ponds on Anglesey, which haven’t been counted since 2011? If you think you can help please contact us via the "Contact the Local Organiser" button at
app.bto.org/websonline/s...
#WeBSSiteInsight #YourWeBSJourney
app.bto.org/websonline/s...
#WeBSSiteInsight #YourWeBSJourney
January 26, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Anyone on Ynys Mon who could help? @angbirdnews.bsky.social
Thousands in #NorthWales have submitted their @rspb.bsky.social #Birdwatch results - have you?
@northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes also features the week's scarce visitors and @rspbcymru.bsky.social reaction to Wales' #seabird plan.
📷 Ben Andrew #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/house-s...
@northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes also features the week's scarce visitors and @rspbcymru.bsky.social reaction to Wales' #seabird plan.
📷 Ben Andrew #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/house-s...
House Sparrow leads the pack in garden birdwatch
The RSPB is urging participants in last weekend’s Big Garden Birdwatch to submit their results. Records of 6½ million birds have already been submitted, with Denbighshire and Flintshire...
www.birdnotes.wales
January 26, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Thousands in #NorthWales have submitted their @rspb.bsky.social #Birdwatch results - have you?
@northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes also features the week's scarce visitors and @rspbcymru.bsky.social reaction to Wales' #seabird plan.
📷 Ben Andrew #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/house-s...
@northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes also features the week's scarce visitors and @rspbcymru.bsky.social reaction to Wales' #seabird plan.
📷 Ben Andrew #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/house-s...
Reposted by Julian Hughes
There are still some spaces available for this free online conference. A great day of sharing perspectives & practical examples of how individuals and organisations across the UK are managing how people access the countryside in ways that don't damage nature. Sign up at link below
lnkd.in/eeJzuKZR
lnkd.in/eeJzuKZR
January 26, 2026 at 7:57 AM
There are still some spaces available for this free online conference. A great day of sharing perspectives & practical examples of how individuals and organisations across the UK are managing how people access the countryside in ways that don't damage nature. Sign up at link below
lnkd.in/eeJzuKZR
lnkd.in/eeJzuKZR
"Of 61 habitats assessed, only two were in favourable condition when considered in their entirety across Wales, while nearly 80% of habitats are classed as 'unfavourable-bad'"
A decade since the Environment Act and several years into a nature and climate emergency.
Not looking good Welsh Gov.
A decade since the Environment Act and several years into a nature and climate emergency.
Not looking good Welsh Gov.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is calling for urgent, collective action across all sectors to help some of Wales’ most important habitats and species recover, as it publishes the first full Wales-wide assessment of their conservation status
New habitat and species assessment urges Wales to unite for nature’s recovery
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is calling for urgent, collective action across all sectors to help some of Wales’ most important habitats and species recover, as it publishes the first full Wales-wide ...
nation.cymru
January 23, 2026 at 6:42 PM
"Of 61 habitats assessed, only two were in favourable condition when considered in their entirety across Wales, while nearly 80% of habitats are classed as 'unfavourable-bad'"
A decade since the Environment Act and several years into a nature and climate emergency.
Not looking good Welsh Gov.
A decade since the Environment Act and several years into a nature and climate emergency.
Not looking good Welsh Gov.
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Don't miss this Sunday's BBC Countryfile when the team join BTO Cymru as we ring and study waders on The Menai Strait. #BirdingWales
📷 Robin Sandham
📷 Robin Sandham
January 23, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Don't miss this Sunday's BBC Countryfile when the team join BTO Cymru as we ring and study waders on The Menai Strait. #BirdingWales
📷 Robin Sandham
📷 Robin Sandham
Reposted by Julian Hughes
Very pleased to share #OpenAccess paper, which we think is important to understand woodland bird declines and impact of forestry on native ancient woodland in Britain.
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social
🧵1/n
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social
🧵1/n
January 23, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Very pleased to share #OpenAccess paper, which we think is important to understand woodland bird declines and impact of forestry on native ancient woodland in Britain.
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social
🧵1/n
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #ornithology @ukceh.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @mizpas.bsky.social
🧵1/n
Reposted by Julian Hughes
#SwyddiGwylltCymru #WalesWildlifeJobs
Large Heath Officer (Wales) Trainee with @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Dyddiad cau / closing date: 09/02/26
butterflyconservation.livevacancies.co.uk#/job/details...
Large Heath Officer (Wales) Trainee with @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Dyddiad cau / closing date: 09/02/26
butterflyconservation.livevacancies.co.uk#/job/details...
hireful.
butterflyconservation.livevacancies.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 3:44 PM
#SwyddiGwylltCymru #WalesWildlifeJobs
Large Heath Officer (Wales) Trainee with @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Dyddiad cau / closing date: 09/02/26
butterflyconservation.livevacancies.co.uk#/job/details...
Large Heath Officer (Wales) Trainee with @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Dyddiad cau / closing date: 09/02/26
butterflyconservation.livevacancies.co.uk#/job/details...
Great that #Gower now has a Chough Group, even better that they conducted a full survey in 2025.
Contains a plea for funding to maintain the effort and a flag that recreational disturbance may be a factor affecting breeding abundance and/or success.
#BirdingWales
Contains a plea for funding to maintain the effort and a flag that recreational disturbance may be a factor affecting breeding abundance and/or success.
#BirdingWales
Wrote a few words on our @gowerchough.bsky.social survey this summer - mikeshewring.substack.com/p/gower-gold
Gower Gold
Red-billed Choughs on Gower's Cliffs
mikeshewring.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Great that #Gower now has a Chough Group, even better that they conducted a full survey in 2025.
Contains a plea for funding to maintain the effort and a flag that recreational disturbance may be a factor affecting breeding abundance and/or success.
#BirdingWales
Contains a plea for funding to maintain the effort and a flag that recreational disturbance may be a factor affecting breeding abundance and/or success.
#BirdingWales
Reposted by Julian Hughes
A Seabird Conservation Strategy for Wales has been published by the Welsh Government, prompting a cautious welcome from conservationists after a seven-year campaign for action
Conservationists give Seabird Conservation Strategy for Wales cautious welcome
A Seabird Conservation Strategy for Wales has been published by the Welsh Government, prompting a cautious welcome from conservationists after a seven-year campaign for action. The strategy is intende...
wp.me
January 22, 2026 at 1:07 PM
A Seabird Conservation Strategy for Wales has been published by the Welsh Government, prompting a cautious welcome from conservationists after a seven-year campaign for action
Reposted by Julian Hughes
The US granted visas to Jews but only allowed 30,000 in from Germany a year. You had to wait for your number to come up.
Meet Robert Smallbones. An unassuming British diplomat who 'hacked' this system so effectively (saving 48 THOUSAND Jews) the UK government kept his scheme secret for decades /1 🧵
Meet Robert Smallbones. An unassuming British diplomat who 'hacked' this system so effectively (saving 48 THOUSAND Jews) the UK government kept his scheme secret for decades /1 🧵
January 21, 2026 at 12:52 PM
The US granted visas to Jews but only allowed 30,000 in from Germany a year. You had to wait for your number to come up.
Meet Robert Smallbones. An unassuming British diplomat who 'hacked' this system so effectively (saving 48 THOUSAND Jews) the UK government kept his scheme secret for decades /1 🧵
Meet Robert Smallbones. An unassuming British diplomat who 'hacked' this system so effectively (saving 48 THOUSAND Jews) the UK government kept his scheme secret for decades /1 🧵