Sharon Thompson
@sharonthompson0.bsky.social
Lover of biodiversity land & sea, seeking #NaturePositive future; Policy & Advocacy in NI.
All views are my own; reposts don't = endorsement
All views are my own; reposts don't = endorsement
Pinned
Here are our thoughts on DAERA's Independent Review of Environmental Governance:
Delighted this announcement landed during my first week @rspbni.bsky.social. Esp the additional call for statutory nature recovery targets
Thanks to the independent expert group chaired by @vgravey.bsky.social
Obviously we need @daera-ni.gov.uk to urgently bring forward the necessary legislation
Thanks to the independent expert group chaired by @vgravey.bsky.social
Obviously we need @daera-ni.gov.uk to urgently bring forward the necessary legislation
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Are you an MSc student based at a UK university? Or do you know one?
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
Postgraduate opportunities
The RSPB is offering a variety of exciting research projects for postgraduate students in 2026.
www.rspb.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Are you an MSc student based at a UK university? Or do you know one?
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience 🌍
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
RSPB NI welcomes the publication of the Environmental Principles Policy Statement. It is a requirement that these vital environmental principles are taken into account for all government policy, not just those of
@daera-ni.gov.uk, to tackle the nature and climate emergency. [1/2]
@daera-ni.gov.uk, to tackle the nature and climate emergency. [1/2]
November 21, 2025 at 9:03 AM
RSPB NI welcomes the publication of the Environmental Principles Policy Statement. It is a requirement that these vital environmental principles are taken into account for all government policy, not just those of
@daera-ni.gov.uk, to tackle the nature and climate emergency. [1/2]
@daera-ni.gov.uk, to tackle the nature and climate emergency. [1/2]
A great reminder that conservation action works. And paying farmers to deliver public goods has multiple benefits.
Which is why @daera-ni.gov.uk need to create a robust Farming with Nature scheme & NI needs statutory Nature Recovery targets
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Which is why @daera-ni.gov.uk need to create a robust Farming with Nature scheme & NI needs statutory Nature Recovery targets
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Lapwing and curlews had a successful season on Upper Lough Erne
Efforts by conservationists and farmers pay off as breeding waders have a good summer in Fermanagh.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 10:19 PM
A great reminder that conservation action works. And paying farmers to deliver public goods has multiple benefits.
Which is why @daera-ni.gov.uk need to create a robust Farming with Nature scheme & NI needs statutory Nature Recovery targets
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Which is why @daera-ni.gov.uk need to create a robust Farming with Nature scheme & NI needs statutory Nature Recovery targets
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Wild victims of bird flu increase - will it be the worst winter yet in Europe? @btobirds.bsky.social reminds birders we can play a role in monitoring #HPAI
Plus the week's #NorthWales sightings in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes. 📷 Tony Pope. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/wild-vi...
Plus the week's #NorthWales sightings in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes. 📷 Tony Pope. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/wild-vi...
Wild victims of bird flu on the rise
As ‘flockdown’ rules require keepers of birds to introduce strict biosecurity measures in Wales, increased deaths of wild birds have raised fears that it could be the worst winter yet for bird...
www.birdnotes.wales
November 17, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Wild victims of bird flu increase - will it be the worst winter yet in Europe? @btobirds.bsky.social reminds birders we can play a role in monitoring #HPAI
Plus the week's #NorthWales sightings in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes. 📷 Tony Pope. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/wild-vi...
Plus the week's #NorthWales sightings in @northwaleslive.bsky.social BirdNotes. 📷 Tony Pope. #BirdingWales
www.birdnotes.wales/blog/wild-vi...
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Information integrity is getting the attention it deserves at #COP30 🌍
We have been fighting misinformation in our Behind the Headlines series because when trust erodes, vital messages get ignored.
The challenge? 69% of people are concerned about being misled online.
Read: tinyurl.com/2fctx82u �
We have been fighting misinformation in our Behind the Headlines series because when trust erodes, vital messages get ignored.
The challenge? 69% of people are concerned about being misled online.
Read: tinyurl.com/2fctx82u �
November 14, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Information integrity is getting the attention it deserves at #COP30 🌍
We have been fighting misinformation in our Behind the Headlines series because when trust erodes, vital messages get ignored.
The challenge? 69% of people are concerned about being misled online.
Read: tinyurl.com/2fctx82u �
We have been fighting misinformation in our Behind the Headlines series because when trust erodes, vital messages get ignored.
The challenge? 69% of people are concerned about being misled online.
Read: tinyurl.com/2fctx82u �
Young people in Northern Ireland show they care about tackling the climate and nature emergency
Meeting the NI net zero targets is as important now as it's always been
#COP30
@daera-ni.gov.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Meeting the NI net zero targets is as important now as it's always been
#COP30
@daera-ni.gov.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
From Brazil to Belfast - pupils hold their own COP30 event
The COP30 climate simulation negotiation brought pupils from 28 schools to Belfast Castle.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Young people in Northern Ireland show they care about tackling the climate and nature emergency
Meeting the NI net zero targets is as important now as it's always been
#COP30
@daera-ni.gov.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Meeting the NI net zero targets is as important now as it's always been
#COP30
@daera-ni.gov.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
👀 CYFLE SWYDD / JOB OPPORTUNITY 👀
🦅 Ydych chi'n arweinydd, yn ddylanwadol, eisiau trawsnewid y maes cyfathrebu a chodi arian - ac eisiau achub byd natur Cymru? 🐝
🦆 'Da ni'n chwilio am rywun arbennig iawn i fod yn Bennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu newydd RSPB Cymru!
Ewch amdani! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6
🦅 Ydych chi'n arweinydd, yn ddylanwadol, eisiau trawsnewid y maes cyfathrebu a chodi arian - ac eisiau achub byd natur Cymru? 🐝
🦆 'Da ni'n chwilio am rywun arbennig iawn i fod yn Bennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu newydd RSPB Cymru!
Ewch amdani! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6
Head of Fundraising and Communications/Pennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu - RSPB Cymru | RSPB
Mae'r RSPB yn awyddus i benodi Pennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu i RSPB Cymru. Bydd yr unigolyn llwyddiannus yn cynnig arweinyddiaeth strategol ac yn cyfrannu at ddatblygu a gweithredu strategaethau a...
brnw.ch
October 30, 2025 at 12:09 PM
👀 CYFLE SWYDD / JOB OPPORTUNITY 👀
🦅 Ydych chi'n arweinydd, yn ddylanwadol, eisiau trawsnewid y maes cyfathrebu a chodi arian - ac eisiau achub byd natur Cymru? 🐝
🦆 'Da ni'n chwilio am rywun arbennig iawn i fod yn Bennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu newydd RSPB Cymru!
Ewch amdani! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6
🦅 Ydych chi'n arweinydd, yn ddylanwadol, eisiau trawsnewid y maes cyfathrebu a chodi arian - ac eisiau achub byd natur Cymru? 🐝
🦆 'Da ni'n chwilio am rywun arbennig iawn i fod yn Bennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu newydd RSPB Cymru!
Ewch amdani! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
🦅 Are you a leader, influential, want to have a transformational effect on the fundraising and communications sector - and want to save Wales' nature? 🐝
🦆 We're looking for a very special someone to become the new Head of Fundraising and Communications for RSPB Cymru!
Apply here! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6
🦆 We're looking for a very special someone to become the new Head of Fundraising and Communications for RSPB Cymru!
Apply here! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6
Head of Fundraising and Communications/Pennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu - RSPB Cymru | RSPB
Mae'r RSPB yn awyddus i benodi Pennaeth Codi Arian a Chyfathrebu i RSPB Cymru. Bydd yr unigolyn llwyddiannus yn cynnig arweinyddiaeth strategol ac yn cyfrannu at ddatblygu a gweithredu strategaethau a...
brnw.ch
October 30, 2025 at 12:10 PM
🦅 Are you a leader, influential, want to have a transformational effect on the fundraising and communications sector - and want to save Wales' nature? 🐝
🦆 We're looking for a very special someone to become the new Head of Fundraising and Communications for RSPB Cymru!
Apply here! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6
🦆 We're looking for a very special someone to become the new Head of Fundraising and Communications for RSPB Cymru!
Apply here! 👉 brnw.ch/21wX2x6
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
👍 It’s great to hear the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment signal his intent to work with others to improve the Bill.
💪 Let’s make sure it provides a strong platform for environmental protection, access to environmental justice, and nature recovery in Wales.
🔚
💪 Let’s make sure it provides a strong platform for environmental protection, access to environmental justice, and nature recovery in Wales.
🔚
November 12, 2025 at 10:08 AM
👍 It’s great to hear the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment signal his intent to work with others to improve the Bill.
💪 Let’s make sure it provides a strong platform for environmental protection, access to environmental justice, and nature recovery in Wales.
🔚
💪 Let’s make sure it provides a strong platform for environmental protection, access to environmental justice, and nature recovery in Wales.
🔚
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
🤝 With our partners, we have outlined some key areas where we think the Bill should be made clearer, stronger and more ambitious 👉 bit.ly/489uwkg
…as has the CCEI Committee in its Stage 1 report 👉 bit.ly/47yPHvU
…as has the CCEI Committee in its Stage 1 report 👉 bit.ly/47yPHvU
Briefings on the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill - Wales Environment Link
Briefings on this page set out WEL and Green Alliance’s positions on the Environmental Governance Bill. The Bill has been eagerly awaited, and there is significant public interest in the Bill ensuring...
bit.ly
November 12, 2025 at 10:08 AM
🤝 With our partners, we have outlined some key areas where we think the Bill should be made clearer, stronger and more ambitious 👉 bit.ly/489uwkg
…as has the CCEI Committee in its Stage 1 report 👉 bit.ly/47yPHvU
…as has the CCEI Committee in its Stage 1 report 👉 bit.ly/47yPHvU
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Bore da! 🥳 Fantastic news!
🌱 The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) Bill passed its first hurdle yesterday, with resounding support from the Senedd.
So why is this bill so important? 🤔
🧵
🌱 The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) Bill passed its first hurdle yesterday, with resounding support from the Senedd.
So why is this bill so important? 🤔
🧵
November 12, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Bore da! 🥳 Fantastic news!
🌱 The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) Bill passed its first hurdle yesterday, with resounding support from the Senedd.
So why is this bill so important? 🤔
🧵
🌱 The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) Bill passed its first hurdle yesterday, with resounding support from the Senedd.
So why is this bill so important? 🤔
🧵
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Climate change is coming for some of our favorite vices
Top grape, coffee and chocolate growing regions in western Europe, South America and West Africa under threat.
@juliaelenamusto.bsky.social
Top grape, coffee and chocolate growing regions in western Europe, South America and West Africa under threat.
@juliaelenamusto.bsky.social
Climate change is coming for some of our favorite vices
Top grape, coffee and chocolate growing regions in western Europe, South America and West Africa under threat
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Climate change is coming for some of our favorite vices
Top grape, coffee and chocolate growing regions in western Europe, South America and West Africa under threat.
@juliaelenamusto.bsky.social
Top grape, coffee and chocolate growing regions in western Europe, South America and West Africa under threat.
@juliaelenamusto.bsky.social
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
'Environmental catastrophe' at Camber Sands as 'millions' of plastic beads wash up
'Environmental catastrophe' at Camber Sands as 'millions' of plastic beads wash up
There is an "environmental catastrophe" at Camber Sands after "millions" of plastic beads washed up on the East Sussex beach, an MP has warned.
news.sky.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:34 AM
'Environmental catastrophe' at Camber Sands as 'millions' of plastic beads wash up
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Brilliant to see the #GBRedList making a report on CBBC newsround, headlined by the tale of Fen Orchid recovery.
The future of our wonderful plants is in their hands - let's try not to drop the baton before we can hand it over!
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/ar...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
The future of our wonderful plants is in their hands - let's try not to drop the baton before we can hand it over!
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/ar...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
Rare orchid bought back from brink of extinction
The fen orchid is no longer listed as almost extinct in Great British Red List for vascular plants.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Brilliant to see the #GBRedList making a report on CBBC newsround, headlined by the tale of Fen Orchid recovery.
The future of our wonderful plants is in their hands - let's try not to drop the baton before we can hand it over!
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/ar...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
The future of our wonderful plants is in their hands - let's try not to drop the baton before we can hand it over!
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/ar...
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Today’s statement from the @daera-ni.gov.uk Minister is an important step forward for environmental governance in Northern Ireland. The evidence is clear that our current system is failing both nature and people.
November 4, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Today’s statement from the @daera-ni.gov.uk Minister is an important step forward for environmental governance in Northern Ireland. The evidence is clear that our current system is failing both nature and people.
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Want to up your #WildFlowerID game this winter?
We just launched our Winter Webinar programme!
7-8pm, every Tuesday from 4 Nov - 10 Feb.
Thanks to funding from @daera-ni.gov.uk, these 10 great plant ID webinars are FREE for all of you to attend!
Programme & booking links: bsbi.org/botanical-sk...
We just launched our Winter Webinar programme!
7-8pm, every Tuesday from 4 Nov - 10 Feb.
Thanks to funding from @daera-ni.gov.uk, these 10 great plant ID webinars are FREE for all of you to attend!
Programme & booking links: bsbi.org/botanical-sk...
October 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Want to up your #WildFlowerID game this winter?
We just launched our Winter Webinar programme!
7-8pm, every Tuesday from 4 Nov - 10 Feb.
Thanks to funding from @daera-ni.gov.uk, these 10 great plant ID webinars are FREE for all of you to attend!
Programme & booking links: bsbi.org/botanical-sk...
We just launched our Winter Webinar programme!
7-8pm, every Tuesday from 4 Nov - 10 Feb.
Thanks to funding from @daera-ni.gov.uk, these 10 great plant ID webinars are FREE for all of you to attend!
Programme & booking links: bsbi.org/botanical-sk...
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Protecting and restoring nature is at the heart of tackling the climate crisis.
It’s good to see this recognised in the Carbon Delivery Plan announced today.
Healthy woodlands, peatlands and wetlands do more than store carbon - they support wildlife and protect communities 🧵
It’s good to see this recognised in the Carbon Delivery Plan announced today.
Healthy woodlands, peatlands and wetlands do more than store carbon - they support wildlife and protect communities 🧵
October 29, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Protecting and restoring nature is at the heart of tackling the climate crisis.
It’s good to see this recognised in the Carbon Delivery Plan announced today.
Healthy woodlands, peatlands and wetlands do more than store carbon - they support wildlife and protect communities 🧵
It’s good to see this recognised in the Carbon Delivery Plan announced today.
Healthy woodlands, peatlands and wetlands do more than store carbon - they support wildlife and protect communities 🧵
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
NEW PAPER: Artificial nest boxes trap more heat than natural burrows, pushing little penguins beyond safe thermal limits. As temperatures increase, nest box design improvements are critical to prevent population declines.
➡️ vist.ly/4bz8w
#ornithology #birds #climate 🪶
➡️ vist.ly/4bz8w
#ornithology #birds #climate 🪶
October 28, 2025 at 1:27 PM
NEW PAPER: Artificial nest boxes trap more heat than natural burrows, pushing little penguins beyond safe thermal limits. As temperatures increase, nest box design improvements are critical to prevent population declines.
➡️ vist.ly/4bz8w
#ornithology #birds #climate 🪶
➡️ vist.ly/4bz8w
#ornithology #birds #climate 🪶
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Big job in #Wales, leading the exciting multi-landscape, multi-partner, multi-species @naturambyth.bsky.social recovery programme. Deadline 12 November. #ConservationJobs
swyddi.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/VacancyInfor...
swyddi.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/VacancyInfor...
Vacancy details
swyddi.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru
October 23, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Big job in #Wales, leading the exciting multi-landscape, multi-partner, multi-species @naturambyth.bsky.social recovery programme. Deadline 12 November. #ConservationJobs
swyddi.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/VacancyInfor...
swyddi.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/VacancyInfor...
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Psst! Pumpkins are a treat for birds but can be harmful to hedgehogs. 🦔❌
Keep them high up out of reach and compost any leftovers to protect our garden wildlife.
Keep them high up out of reach and compost any leftovers to protect our garden wildlife.
October 21, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Psst! Pumpkins are a treat for birds but can be harmful to hedgehogs. 🦔❌
Keep them high up out of reach and compost any leftovers to protect our garden wildlife.
Keep them high up out of reach and compost any leftovers to protect our garden wildlife.
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
It’s spooky season, but let’s not make it scary for wildlife! 🎃👻
Fake web decorations can trap and injure our garden wildlife. Stick to sustainable, indoor decorations and let real spiders do the work outdoors!
Share these tips & help spread awareness 👇
Fake web decorations can trap and injure our garden wildlife. Stick to sustainable, indoor decorations and let real spiders do the work outdoors!
Share these tips & help spread awareness 👇
October 21, 2025 at 9:40 AM
It’s spooky season, but let’s not make it scary for wildlife! 🎃👻
Fake web decorations can trap and injure our garden wildlife. Stick to sustainable, indoor decorations and let real spiders do the work outdoors!
Share these tips & help spread awareness 👇
Fake web decorations can trap and injure our garden wildlife. Stick to sustainable, indoor decorations and let real spiders do the work outdoors!
Share these tips & help spread awareness 👇
Congratulations @penrhynbirder.bsky.social
Great to see you recognised amongst this elite group 🦉
Great to see you recognised amongst this elite group 🦉
What a great evening celebrating our inspirational BTO and @marshawards.bsky.social winners last week! 🎉
A huge thank you to all of the award winners for their outstanding contribution to ornithology, nature and BTO! 🐦
📷 Anthony Sajdler Photography
A huge thank you to all of the award winners for their outstanding contribution to ornithology, nature and BTO! 🐦
📷 Anthony Sajdler Photography
October 22, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Congratulations @penrhynbirder.bsky.social
Great to see you recognised amongst this elite group 🦉
Great to see you recognised amongst this elite group 🦉
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Are you passionate about protecting wildlife and helping to restore habitats?
At RSPB NI, we are recruiting roles right across the country. From Campaigning Communications Officer, to Machinery Operator.
Read more and apply: rspb.org.uk/careers
At RSPB NI, we are recruiting roles right across the country. From Campaigning Communications Officer, to Machinery Operator.
Read more and apply: rspb.org.uk/careers
October 15, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Are you passionate about protecting wildlife and helping to restore habitats?
At RSPB NI, we are recruiting roles right across the country. From Campaigning Communications Officer, to Machinery Operator.
Read more and apply: rspb.org.uk/careers
At RSPB NI, we are recruiting roles right across the country. From Campaigning Communications Officer, to Machinery Operator.
Read more and apply: rspb.org.uk/careers
Reposted by Sharon Thompson
Delighted this announcement landed during my first week @rspbni.bsky.social. Esp the additional call for statutory nature recovery targets
Thanks to the independent expert group chaired by @vgravey.bsky.social
Obviously we need @daera-ni.gov.uk to urgently bring forward the necessary legislation
Thanks to the independent expert group chaired by @vgravey.bsky.social
Obviously we need @daera-ni.gov.uk to urgently bring forward the necessary legislation
Here are our thoughts on DAERA's Independent Review of Environmental Governance:
October 22, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Delighted this announcement landed during my first week @rspbni.bsky.social. Esp the additional call for statutory nature recovery targets
Thanks to the independent expert group chaired by @vgravey.bsky.social
Obviously we need @daera-ni.gov.uk to urgently bring forward the necessary legislation
Thanks to the independent expert group chaired by @vgravey.bsky.social
Obviously we need @daera-ni.gov.uk to urgently bring forward the necessary legislation