Rich Francksen
@rmfrancksen.bsky.social
Research Ecologist at British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
Views are my own.
🚴♂️&🐦
Views are my own.
🚴♂️&🐦
Reposted by Rich Francksen
Expand your knowledge with a BTO membership! We're here to support you with all the latest research, resources and training to help you develop your understanding of birds and the challenges they face.
Join today to access exclusive member content ➡️ www.bto.org/support-... #Ornithology
Join today to access exclusive member content ➡️ www.bto.org/support-... #Ornithology
October 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Expand your knowledge with a BTO membership! We're here to support you with all the latest research, resources and training to help you develop your understanding of birds and the challenges they face.
Join today to access exclusive member content ➡️ www.bto.org/support-... #Ornithology
Join today to access exclusive member content ➡️ www.bto.org/support-... #Ornithology
Reposted by Rich Francksen
Wise words from Tom.
Some science to emphasise the importance of leaving space for waders:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/d...
#ornithology
Some science to emphasise the importance of leaving space for waders:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/d...
#ornithology
#WaderWednesday A reprise from this day 2020 of ‘Tom’s Amblings’ Wonderful waders on Alnmouth Beach, please give them space. @webs-gsmp.bsky.social @wadertales.bsky.social
October 29, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Wise words from Tom.
Some science to emphasise the importance of leaving space for waders:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/d...
#ornithology
Some science to emphasise the importance of leaving space for waders:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/d...
#ornithology
Reposted by Rich Francksen
📢 We need to hear YOUR thoughts!
The public consultation on reintroducing white-tailed eagles to #Cumbria is open. 🦅
Share your views by responding to our online questionnaire by October 31st HERE ⬇️
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CWTEquestionnaire/
Please share this post as widely as possible! 💚
The public consultation on reintroducing white-tailed eagles to #Cumbria is open. 🦅
Share your views by responding to our online questionnaire by October 31st HERE ⬇️
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CWTEquestionnaire/
Please share this post as widely as possible! 💚
October 15, 2025 at 8:52 AM
📢 We need to hear YOUR thoughts!
The public consultation on reintroducing white-tailed eagles to #Cumbria is open. 🦅
Share your views by responding to our online questionnaire by October 31st HERE ⬇️
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CWTEquestionnaire/
Please share this post as widely as possible! 💚
The public consultation on reintroducing white-tailed eagles to #Cumbria is open. 🦅
Share your views by responding to our online questionnaire by October 31st HERE ⬇️
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CWTEquestionnaire/
Please share this post as widely as possible! 💚
Reposted by Rich Francksen
More ill thought out 'conservation' translocations 🌍
www.theguardian.com/environment/... - so much to unpack here #Ornithology #UKBirding 🧵
www.theguardian.com/environment/... - so much to unpack here #Ornithology #UKBirding 🧵
‘It proves this can be done’: Berlin the blueprint to bring goshawks to UK cities
Conservationist plans release of 15 each of the apex predators sourced as chicks into Chester and London
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:52 PM
More ill thought out 'conservation' translocations 🌍
www.theguardian.com/environment/... - so much to unpack here #Ornithology #UKBirding 🧵
www.theguardian.com/environment/... - so much to unpack here #Ornithology #UKBirding 🧵
For anyone daft enough to care: today's my last day at Uni of Cumbria. It's been a privilege to lead the Zoology programme over the last few years.
Next, I’m joining @btobirds.bsky.social as a Research Ecologist in-part working on agri-environment scheme impacts on farmland birds. Can't wait!
Next, I’m joining @btobirds.bsky.social as a Research Ecologist in-part working on agri-environment scheme impacts on farmland birds. Can't wait!
September 26, 2025 at 7:13 AM
For anyone daft enough to care: today's my last day at Uni of Cumbria. It's been a privilege to lead the Zoology programme over the last few years.
Next, I’m joining @btobirds.bsky.social as a Research Ecologist in-part working on agri-environment scheme impacts on farmland birds. Can't wait!
Next, I’m joining @btobirds.bsky.social as a Research Ecologist in-part working on agri-environment scheme impacts on farmland birds. Can't wait!
Reposted by Rich Francksen
1/ The Wild Bird Indicators, using BTO data, have been updated today by Defra! ⬇️
Sadly, the ‘all bird species’ index, comprising the population trends of 130 species, has been in a slow continuous decline in the UK since the 1970s, down by 18% and by 4% in the last five years. 📉 #Ornithology
Sadly, the ‘all bird species’ index, comprising the population trends of 130 species, has been in a slow continuous decline in the UK since the 1970s, down by 18% and by 4% in the last five years. 📉 #Ornithology
September 23, 2025 at 12:46 PM
1/ The Wild Bird Indicators, using BTO data, have been updated today by Defra! ⬇️
Sadly, the ‘all bird species’ index, comprising the population trends of 130 species, has been in a slow continuous decline in the UK since the 1970s, down by 18% and by 4% in the last five years. 📉 #Ornithology
Sadly, the ‘all bird species’ index, comprising the population trends of 130 species, has been in a slow continuous decline in the UK since the 1970s, down by 18% and by 4% in the last five years. 📉 #Ornithology
Reposted by Rich Francksen
Ecologists know what the solutions are. Defra knows what the solutions are. But Treasury is stuck presenting nature as the enemy of growth.
With just four years to go, the Government needs to wake up, stop dancing and scale up public and private finance to underpin action.
@wclnews.bsky.social 🧪🌎
With just four years to go, the Government needs to wake up, stop dancing and scale up public and private finance to underpin action.
@wclnews.bsky.social 🧪🌎
September 10, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Ecologists know what the solutions are. Defra knows what the solutions are. But Treasury is stuck presenting nature as the enemy of growth.
With just four years to go, the Government needs to wake up, stop dancing and scale up public and private finance to underpin action.
@wclnews.bsky.social 🧪🌎
With just four years to go, the Government needs to wake up, stop dancing and scale up public and private finance to underpin action.
@wclnews.bsky.social 🧪🌎
Reposted by Rich Francksen
The wait is almost over. 🦅
RETURN - the breathtaking story of how the White-tailed Eagle was brought back from extinction - premieres this Friday 29th August on our YouTube channel.
Fifty years in the making...
Who's ready?
youtu.be/i_A7_E6vIwQ?...
RETURN - the breathtaking story of how the White-tailed Eagle was brought back from extinction - premieres this Friday 29th August on our YouTube channel.
Fifty years in the making...
Who's ready?
youtu.be/i_A7_E6vIwQ?...
'Return' official trailer - the White-tailed eagles' comeback story | RSPB
YouTube video by RSPB
youtu.be
August 27, 2025 at 8:40 AM
The wait is almost over. 🦅
RETURN - the breathtaking story of how the White-tailed Eagle was brought back from extinction - premieres this Friday 29th August on our YouTube channel.
Fifty years in the making...
Who's ready?
youtu.be/i_A7_E6vIwQ?...
RETURN - the breathtaking story of how the White-tailed Eagle was brought back from extinction - premieres this Friday 29th August on our YouTube channel.
Fifty years in the making...
Who's ready?
youtu.be/i_A7_E6vIwQ?...
Reposted by Rich Francksen
🦋 New UKCEH research with @naturalengland.bsky.social and @btobirds.bsky.social shows the positive impacts of agri-environment schemes (AES) on butterflies.
Paper: besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... @jappliedecology.bsky.social
🧵🧪 1/
Paper: besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... @jappliedecology.bsky.social
🧵🧪 1/
Positive impacts of agri‐environment schemes on butterflies from multiple evidence sources
Our results provide support for positive effects of AES on butterflies in England from multiple sources of evidence, providing confidence that these schemes are providing tangible benefits for butter...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
August 21, 2025 at 11:39 AM
🦋 New UKCEH research with @naturalengland.bsky.social and @btobirds.bsky.social shows the positive impacts of agri-environment schemes (AES) on butterflies.
Paper: besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... @jappliedecology.bsky.social
🧵🧪 1/
Paper: besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... @jappliedecology.bsky.social
🧵🧪 1/
Reposted by Rich Francksen
Pleased to announce that @tristramwyatt.bsky.social & I have a new article out in @uk.theconversation.com, based on work with colleagues from @scientistsforxr.earth
We outline "How scientists can contribute to social movements and climate action"
Here's a thread with some background & key points 🧵
We outline "How scientists can contribute to social movements and climate action"
Here's a thread with some background & key points 🧵
How scientists can contribute to social movements and climate action
Collective action on climate is crucial. Scientists play an important role in driving change.
theconversation.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Pleased to announce that @tristramwyatt.bsky.social & I have a new article out in @uk.theconversation.com, based on work with colleagues from @scientistsforxr.earth
We outline "How scientists can contribute to social movements and climate action"
Here's a thread with some background & key points 🧵
We outline "How scientists can contribute to social movements and climate action"
Here's a thread with some background & key points 🧵
Reposted by Rich Francksen
📢Job alert! We’re looking for the next Seabird Monitoring Programme Organiser to join the BTO Surveys Team!🔭📈
ℹ️ For more information and to apply: www.bto.org/jobs
🗓️ Deadline for applications: 8th Sept 2025.
#seabirds #citizenscience
@btobirds.bsky.social, @jncc.bsky.social, @rspb.bsky.social
ℹ️ For more information and to apply: www.bto.org/jobs
🗓️ Deadline for applications: 8th Sept 2025.
#seabirds #citizenscience
@btobirds.bsky.social, @jncc.bsky.social, @rspb.bsky.social
July 29, 2025 at 10:12 AM
📢Job alert! We’re looking for the next Seabird Monitoring Programme Organiser to join the BTO Surveys Team!🔭📈
ℹ️ For more information and to apply: www.bto.org/jobs
🗓️ Deadline for applications: 8th Sept 2025.
#seabirds #citizenscience
@btobirds.bsky.social, @jncc.bsky.social, @rspb.bsky.social
ℹ️ For more information and to apply: www.bto.org/jobs
🗓️ Deadline for applications: 8th Sept 2025.
#seabirds #citizenscience
@btobirds.bsky.social, @jncc.bsky.social, @rspb.bsky.social
"Don't ignore dietary shifts" – regen ag is a useful tool, but not enough alone to recover nature.
"We must make space where nature recovery is the primary land use, not a cherry-on-top".
See article by me & @jmbecologist.bsky.social in the latest @britishecologicalsociety.org Niche magazine.
"We must make space where nature recovery is the primary land use, not a cherry-on-top".
See article by me & @jmbecologist.bsky.social in the latest @britishecologicalsociety.org Niche magazine.
Diets should be central to discussions about farming & conservation
Our response to the @britishecologicalsociety.org report on regenerative agriculture
argues that regen ag is insufficient for nature recovery
We also need to take land out of farming
thru dietary shifts like reduced meat eating
Our response to the @britishecologicalsociety.org report on regenerative agriculture
argues that regen ag is insufficient for nature recovery
We also need to take land out of farming
thru dietary shifts like reduced meat eating
June 17, 2025 at 8:12 AM
"Don't ignore dietary shifts" – regen ag is a useful tool, but not enough alone to recover nature.
"We must make space where nature recovery is the primary land use, not a cherry-on-top".
See article by me & @jmbecologist.bsky.social in the latest @britishecologicalsociety.org Niche magazine.
"We must make space where nature recovery is the primary land use, not a cherry-on-top".
See article by me & @jmbecologist.bsky.social in the latest @britishecologicalsociety.org Niche magazine.
Happy to share our new paper in @natecoevo.nature.com on opportunities & barriers of using RAS (robots!) for biodiversity monitoring.
RAS can supplement, not replace, existing methods, work better for some taxa/habitats than others, and data handling is a big bottleneck.
rdcu.be/enhtb
RAS can supplement, not replace, existing methods, work better for some taxa/habitats than others, and data handling is a big bottleneck.
rdcu.be/enhtb
Opportunities and challenges for monitoring terrestrial biodiversity in the robotics age
Nature Ecology & Evolution - An expert-elicitation process identifies current methodological barriers for monitoring terrestrial biodiversity, and how technological and procedural development...
rdcu.be
May 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Happy to share our new paper in @natecoevo.nature.com on opportunities & barriers of using RAS (robots!) for biodiversity monitoring.
RAS can supplement, not replace, existing methods, work better for some taxa/habitats than others, and data handling is a big bottleneck.
rdcu.be/enhtb
RAS can supplement, not replace, existing methods, work better for some taxa/habitats than others, and data handling is a big bottleneck.
rdcu.be/enhtb
The Government's Planning bill "rests on weak “likely” benefits outweighing harm, ignoring scientific evidence, bypassing existing safeguards and failing to guarantee delivery of biodiversity gains.”
"Nature isn't a 'nice to have' it's all we have"
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
"Nature isn't a 'nice to have' it's all we have"
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Threats to nature in Labour’s planning bill | Letter
Letter: The government’s proposals lack the safeguards necessary to preserve key ecosystems, including chalk streams and woodlands, warns Prof EJ Milner-Gulland
www.theguardian.com
April 16, 2025 at 5:51 PM
The Government's Planning bill "rests on weak “likely” benefits outweighing harm, ignoring scientific evidence, bypassing existing safeguards and failing to guarantee delivery of biodiversity gains.”
"Nature isn't a 'nice to have' it's all we have"
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
"Nature isn't a 'nice to have' it's all we have"
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Rich Francksen
New paper just out… “High-resolution naturalness mapping can support conservation policy objectives and identify locations for strongly protected areas in France” with Jonathan Carruthers-Jones, Adrien Guetté et al. www.nature.com/articles/s43...
@universityofleeds.bsky.social
@universityofleeds.bsky.social
High-resolution naturalness mapping can support conservation policy objectives and identify locations for strongly protected areas in France - Communications Earth & Environment
Identifying areas of high naturalness potential and support for nature restoration efforts in France and across Europe is possible with a high-resolution mapping tool that combines spatial data on the...
www.nature.com
April 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
New paper just out… “High-resolution naturalness mapping can support conservation policy objectives and identify locations for strongly protected areas in France” with Jonathan Carruthers-Jones, Adrien Guetté et al. www.nature.com/articles/s43...
@universityofleeds.bsky.social
@universityofleeds.bsky.social
Reposted by Rich Francksen
Interesting British Ecological Society report on regenerative agriculture
Covers a lot of ground
But, to my mind, makes a misstep in not considering dietary change
www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/end-...
Covers a lot of ground
But, to my mind, makes a misstep in not considering dietary change
www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/end-...
End of the brown field? Regenerative agriculture brings ecological benefits - British Ecological Society
End of the brown field? Regenerative agriculture brings ecological benefits - BES is the largest scientific society for ecologists in Europe. We're working towards a world in which nature and people t...
www.britishecologicalsociety.org
April 8, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Interesting British Ecological Society report on regenerative agriculture
Covers a lot of ground
But, to my mind, makes a misstep in not considering dietary change
www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/end-...
Covers a lot of ground
But, to my mind, makes a misstep in not considering dietary change
www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/end-...
Reposted by Rich Francksen
Funding crisis for UK biodiversity research?
No ecology-specific funding calls from UKRI, NERC pulled its large grant & highlight topic grant rounds, and very little from Defra. We have not joined the Biodiversa round
At a time of biodiversity crisis, this lack is astonishing & worrying
No ecology-specific funding calls from UKRI, NERC pulled its large grant & highlight topic grant rounds, and very little from Defra. We have not joined the Biodiversa round
At a time of biodiversity crisis, this lack is astonishing & worrying
April 3, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Funding crisis for UK biodiversity research?
No ecology-specific funding calls from UKRI, NERC pulled its large grant & highlight topic grant rounds, and very little from Defra. We have not joined the Biodiversa round
At a time of biodiversity crisis, this lack is astonishing & worrying
No ecology-specific funding calls from UKRI, NERC pulled its large grant & highlight topic grant rounds, and very little from Defra. We have not joined the Biodiversa round
At a time of biodiversity crisis, this lack is astonishing & worrying
Well done @btobirds.bsky.social
2/3 With its emphasis on high carbon wildlife tourism, today’s Birdfair has a different focus from earlier years. BTO work has highlighted the impacts of climate change on birds, and because of our commitment to working sustainably, we no longer feel it is appropriate to take a stand at the event.
March 20, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Well done @btobirds.bsky.social
Reposted by Rich Francksen
2024 was the hottest year on record 📈
TV news coverage of climate change decreased by 25% 📉
#EndClimateSilence
TV news coverage of climate change decreased by 25% 📉
#EndClimateSilence
March 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM
2024 was the hottest year on record 📈
TV news coverage of climate change decreased by 25% 📉
#EndClimateSilence
TV news coverage of climate change decreased by 25% 📉
#EndClimateSilence
You can read our response to this article here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Leakage is an important issue, but we need a wider lens, and it shouldn't stop nature restoration on large areas of unproductive land
@ianconvery.bsky.social @landethics.bsky.social @helenkopnina.bsky.social
Leakage is an important issue, but we need a wider lens, and it shouldn't stop nature restoration on large areas of unproductive land
@ianconvery.bsky.social @landethics.bsky.social @helenkopnina.bsky.social
March 6, 2025 at 7:29 PM
You can read our response to this article here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Leakage is an important issue, but we need a wider lens, and it shouldn't stop nature restoration on large areas of unproductive land
@ianconvery.bsky.social @landethics.bsky.social @helenkopnina.bsky.social
Leakage is an important issue, but we need a wider lens, and it shouldn't stop nature restoration on large areas of unproductive land
@ianconvery.bsky.social @landethics.bsky.social @helenkopnina.bsky.social
Reposted by Rich Francksen
Through Skiddaw Forest, we hope to bring the magic of temperate rainforests to the slopes of Cumbria too!
We have nearly reached our goal regarding funding the first phase of the project - can you help?
www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/skiddaw-forest
#Cumbria #LakeDistrict #rainforest
We have nearly reached our goal regarding funding the first phase of the project - can you help?
www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/skiddaw-forest
#Cumbria #LakeDistrict #rainforest
February 19, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Through Skiddaw Forest, we hope to bring the magic of temperate rainforests to the slopes of Cumbria too!
We have nearly reached our goal regarding funding the first phase of the project - can you help?
www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/skiddaw-forest
#Cumbria #LakeDistrict #rainforest
We have nearly reached our goal regarding funding the first phase of the project - can you help?
www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/skiddaw-forest
#Cumbria #LakeDistrict #rainforest
Reposted by Rich Francksen
Annual release of millions of non-native gamebirds for shooting? Sure, no problem, no licences/permission required, fill yer boots, do what you like.
Carefully managed & licensed reintroduction of a native species? Not if its got sharp claws and teeth.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Carefully managed & licensed reintroduction of a native species? Not if its got sharp claws and teeth.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
John Swinney rules out reintroduction of lynx to Scotland
The first minister tells farmers that no carnivorous species will be reintroduced under his government.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 7, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Annual release of millions of non-native gamebirds for shooting? Sure, no problem, no licences/permission required, fill yer boots, do what you like.
Carefully managed & licensed reintroduction of a native species? Not if its got sharp claws and teeth.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Carefully managed & licensed reintroduction of a native species? Not if its got sharp claws and teeth.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Rich Francksen
1/ The UK government’s ‘growth vs newts and bats’ agenda has sparked a bit of a ‘Team Bat Team Newt’ response
It’s heartening and uplifting, but it plays right into their hands
🧵
Graphic: @rosie400.bsky.social
It’s heartening and uplifting, but it plays right into their hands
🧵
Graphic: @rosie400.bsky.social
February 7, 2025 at 4:31 PM
1/ The UK government’s ‘growth vs newts and bats’ agenda has sparked a bit of a ‘Team Bat Team Newt’ response
It’s heartening and uplifting, but it plays right into their hands
🧵
Graphic: @rosie400.bsky.social
It’s heartening and uplifting, but it plays right into their hands
🧵
Graphic: @rosie400.bsky.social
Reposted by Rich Francksen
New in #BirdStudy
H5N1 bird flu killed a THIRD(!) of the Solway Barnacle Goose population (11,400 birds) in 2021/2.
Impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis population wintering on the Solway Firth, UK
doi.org/10.1080/0006...
#ornithology #ukbirding
H5N1 bird flu killed a THIRD(!) of the Solway Barnacle Goose population (11,400 birds) in 2021/2.
Impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis population wintering on the Solway Firth, UK
doi.org/10.1080/0006...
#ornithology #ukbirding
February 7, 2025 at 3:05 PM
New in #BirdStudy
H5N1 bird flu killed a THIRD(!) of the Solway Barnacle Goose population (11,400 birds) in 2021/2.
Impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis population wintering on the Solway Firth, UK
doi.org/10.1080/0006...
#ornithology #ukbirding
H5N1 bird flu killed a THIRD(!) of the Solway Barnacle Goose population (11,400 birds) in 2021/2.
Impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis population wintering on the Solway Firth, UK
doi.org/10.1080/0006...
#ornithology #ukbirding
Reposted by Rich Francksen
New paper just published:
Hawkins, S., Carver, S. & Convery, I. Rewilding’s social–ecological aims: Integrating coexistence into a rewilding continuum. Ambio (2024). doi.org/10.1007/s132...
Hawkins, S., Carver, S. & Convery, I. Rewilding’s social–ecological aims: Integrating coexistence into a rewilding continuum. Ambio (2024). doi.org/10.1007/s132...
Rewilding’s social–ecological aims: Integrating coexistence into a rewilding continuum - Ambio
This paper presents results from a grounded theory study of rewilding aims, addressing calls for broad scale studies of rewilding to contribute to the development of guidelines. The grounded theory dr...
doi.org
December 31, 2024 at 4:26 PM
New paper just published:
Hawkins, S., Carver, S. & Convery, I. Rewilding’s social–ecological aims: Integrating coexistence into a rewilding continuum. Ambio (2024). doi.org/10.1007/s132...
Hawkins, S., Carver, S. & Convery, I. Rewilding’s social–ecological aims: Integrating coexistence into a rewilding continuum. Ambio (2024). doi.org/10.1007/s132...