Tom Finch
@tfinch.bsky.social
Birds, science, climate, hills. Dad. RSPB Conservation Scientist. Views here are my own. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
Pinned
Tom Finch
@tfinch.bsky.social
ยท Oct 23
In case you missed it, our paper on the challenges and benefits of getting UK ag/land to net zero is now out: doi.org/10.1016/j.on...
Little Egret at confluence of Allan Water and Forth this afternoon @upperforthbirds.bsky.social
January 17, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Little Egret at confluence of Allan Water and Forth this afternoon @upperforthbirds.bsky.social
Reposted by Tom Finch
Good news - I suspect many other respectable organisations will follow soon....
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
RSPB 'shuts down' X account in 'foreseeable future' update
The charity felt it had no choice but to protect its supporters and volunteers
www.mirror.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 8:15 AM
Good news - I suspect many other respectable organisations will follow soon....
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
Looks great - is there an interactive map viewer anywhere?
January 14, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Looks great - is there an interactive map viewer anywhere?
Reposted by Tom Finch
Reconciling top-down and bottom-up treescape objectives
Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto
@tfinch.bsky.social
@britishecologicalsociety.org
๐ทTom Finch
Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto
@tfinch.bsky.social
@britishecologicalsociety.org
๐ทTom Finch
December 17, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Reconciling top-down and bottom-up treescape objectives
Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto
@tfinch.bsky.social
@britishecologicalsociety.org
๐ทTom Finch
Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto
@tfinch.bsky.social
@britishecologicalsociety.org
๐ทTom Finch
Reposted by Tom Finch
Trees or breeding waders?
THREAD 1/4
There's little point paying farmers to leave space for breeding waders if their neighbours are going to plant trees.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
New review paper by Emma Sheard et al suggests that forests create ...
#ornithology
THREAD 1/4
There's little point paying farmers to leave space for breeding waders if their neighbours are going to plant trees.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
New review paper by Emma Sheard et al suggests that forests create ...
#ornithology
Woodland proximity limits benefits of conservation land management for farmland breeding waders
Where grassland breeding wader assemblages may be put at risk by tree planting, buffer zones >500โm should be implemented to mitigate the negative effect on wader species, with further distances havi...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Trees or breeding waders?
THREAD 1/4
There's little point paying farmers to leave space for breeding waders if their neighbours are going to plant trees.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
New review paper by Emma Sheard et al suggests that forests create ...
#ornithology
THREAD 1/4
There's little point paying farmers to leave space for breeding waders if their neighbours are going to plant trees.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
New review paper by Emma Sheard et al suggests that forests create ...
#ornithology
Close enough to @upperforthbirds.bsky.social to be of interest?
November 23, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Close enough to @upperforthbirds.bsky.social to be of interest?
Sea Eagle just flew over A9 between Greenloaning and Blackford, towards Ochil Hills #BirdingScotland
November 23, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Sea Eagle just flew over A9 between Greenloaning and Blackford, towards Ochil Hills #BirdingScotland
3 woodcock between Cocksburn reservoir and Dumyat summit this morning #BirdingScotland @upperforthbirds.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 8:32 PM
3 woodcock between Cocksburn reservoir and Dumyat summit this morning #BirdingScotland @upperforthbirds.bsky.social
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 ๐
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience ๐
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 ๐
RSPB @rspbscience.bsky.social have just released their list of research projects for 2026:
www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...
#ornithology #conservationscience ๐
๐ฃJob vacancy!๐ฃ
Research Fellow in Global Conservation at Leeds, working with Dave Williams (and me, a bit) to assess the impact of conservation initiatives on biodiversity, carbon, and people: jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
#ConservationScience ๐
Research Fellow in Global Conservation at Leeds, working with Dave Williams (and me, a bit) to assess the impact of conservation initiatives on biodiversity, carbon, and people: jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
#ConservationScience ๐
Job Opportunity at University of Leeds: Research Fellow in Global Conservation
Salary: Grade 7 (ยฃ41,064 โ ยฃ48,822 p.a. depending on experience)ย This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing...
jobs.leeds.ac.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:34 PM
๐ฃJob vacancy!๐ฃ
Research Fellow in Global Conservation at Leeds, working with Dave Williams (and me, a bit) to assess the impact of conservation initiatives on biodiversity, carbon, and people: jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
#ConservationScience ๐
Research Fellow in Global Conservation at Leeds, working with Dave Williams (and me, a bit) to assess the impact of conservation initiatives on biodiversity, carbon, and people: jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
#ConservationScience ๐
Reposted by Tom Finch
๐ฆ SAVE THE DATE! ๐ฆ
I'm excited to announce that the theme of the 2027 BOU conference is Avian Disease Ecology!
๐ Nottingham, UK
๐ 6โ8 April 2027
๐ Full details: lnkd.in/gPvFFDJe
Please share widely!
#BOU2027 #Ornithology #WildlifeDisease #AvianDisease #EcoHealth
I'm excited to announce that the theme of the 2027 BOU conference is Avian Disease Ecology!
๐ Nottingham, UK
๐ 6โ8 April 2027
๐ Full details: lnkd.in/gPvFFDJe
Please share widely!
#BOU2027 #Ornithology #WildlifeDisease #AvianDisease #EcoHealth
June 11, 2025 at 8:14 AM
๐ฆ SAVE THE DATE! ๐ฆ
I'm excited to announce that the theme of the 2027 BOU conference is Avian Disease Ecology!
๐ Nottingham, UK
๐ 6โ8 April 2027
๐ Full details: lnkd.in/gPvFFDJe
Please share widely!
#BOU2027 #Ornithology #WildlifeDisease #AvianDisease #EcoHealth
I'm excited to announce that the theme of the 2027 BOU conference is Avian Disease Ecology!
๐ Nottingham, UK
๐ 6โ8 April 2027
๐ Full details: lnkd.in/gPvFFDJe
Please share widely!
#BOU2027 #Ornithology #WildlifeDisease #AvianDisease #EcoHealth
Reposted by Tom Finch
๐ข REGISTRATION OPEN
#BOU2026 | Birds and people | 31 March - 2 April 2026
University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky
Check out the programme and book your place today!
bou.org.uk/event/bir...
#ornithology ๐ชถ
#BOU2026 | Birds and people | 31 March - 2 April 2026
University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky
Check out the programme and book your place today!
bou.org.uk/event/bir...
#ornithology ๐ชถ
November 7, 2025 at 2:42 PM
๐ข REGISTRATION OPEN
#BOU2026 | Birds and people | 31 March - 2 April 2026
University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky
Check out the programme and book your place today!
bou.org.uk/event/bir...
#ornithology ๐ชถ
#BOU2026 | Birds and people | 31 March - 2 April 2026
University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky
Check out the programme and book your place today!
bou.org.uk/event/bir...
#ornithology ๐ชถ
๐ฃPhD opportunity๐ฃ
Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate
With @ukceh.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social and others
๐ www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate
With @ukceh.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social and others
๐ www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate at UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - Lancaster on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate at UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - Lancaster, listed ...
www.findaphd.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:41 AM
๐ฃPhD opportunity๐ฃ
Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate
With @ukceh.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social and others
๐ www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Farming Futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate
With @ukceh.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social and others
๐ www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Anyway. I agree trees are over-sold. They aren't going to solve everything, they bring risks, and are easy to get wrong. But I'm also conscious of throwing the baby out with the bathwater
October 16, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Anyway. I agree trees are over-sold. They aren't going to solve everything, they bring risks, and are easy to get wrong. But I'm also conscious of throwing the baby out with the bathwater
Yes, peatland restoration is arguably a higher priority. I don't think that means we should do 0 woodland creation until peatlands are 100% restored. Wouldn't we get more diverse benefits from investing in diverse solutions?
October 16, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Yes, peatland restoration is arguably a higher priority. I don't think that means we should do 0 woodland creation until peatlands are 100% restored. Wouldn't we get more diverse benefits from investing in diverse solutions?
How do you judge significance though? Lots of solutions have small effects. Should I just buy a second car? It won't significantly increase global emissions.
Agree about time, but won't we be grateful for a stronger (or less weak!) land sink in 30 years time? Doesn't every tCO2 matter?
Agree about time, but won't we be grateful for a stronger (or less weak!) land sink in 30 years time? Doesn't every tCO2 matter?
October 16, 2025 at 8:53 AM
How do you judge significance though? Lots of solutions have small effects. Should I just buy a second car? It won't significantly increase global emissions.
Agree about time, but won't we be grateful for a stronger (or less weak!) land sink in 30 years time? Doesn't every tCO2 matter?
Agree about time, but won't we be grateful for a stronger (or less weak!) land sink in 30 years time? Doesn't every tCO2 matter?
Are you saying that growing woodlands sequester no carbon? Or not enough to be considered a solution?
October 15, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Are you saying that growing woodlands sequester no carbon? Or not enough to be considered a solution?
Because new woodlands, if done well, can counteract the decline of the land sink
October 15, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Because new woodlands, if done well, can counteract the decline of the land sink
Reposted by Tom Finch
Job vacancy ๐งช
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
๐ทJake Stephen
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
๐ทJake Stephen
October 14, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Job vacancy ๐งช
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
๐ทJake Stephen
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
๐ทJake Stephen
Reposted by Tom Finch
Reposted by Tom Finch
New issue of #BirdStudy out today!
Birds on solar farms
Numbers of released Pheasants & Partridges
Woodlarks & Meadow Pipits in Central Europe
Hawfinch supplementary feeding
Black-billed Cuckoo diet
Serengeti Secretarybirds
Tracking Lesser Flamingos
www.tandfonline.com/toc/tbis20/c...
#ornithology
Birds on solar farms
Numbers of released Pheasants & Partridges
Woodlarks & Meadow Pipits in Central Europe
Hawfinch supplementary feeding
Black-billed Cuckoo diet
Serengeti Secretarybirds
Tracking Lesser Flamingos
www.tandfonline.com/toc/tbis20/c...
#ornithology
September 23, 2025 at 5:28 PM
New issue of #BirdStudy out today!
Birds on solar farms
Numbers of released Pheasants & Partridges
Woodlarks & Meadow Pipits in Central Europe
Hawfinch supplementary feeding
Black-billed Cuckoo diet
Serengeti Secretarybirds
Tracking Lesser Flamingos
www.tandfonline.com/toc/tbis20/c...
#ornithology
Birds on solar farms
Numbers of released Pheasants & Partridges
Woodlarks & Meadow Pipits in Central Europe
Hawfinch supplementary feeding
Black-billed Cuckoo diet
Serengeti Secretarybirds
Tracking Lesser Flamingos
www.tandfonline.com/toc/tbis20/c...
#ornithology
Reposted by Tom Finch
Fully funded PhD working on insectivorous bird declines with a broad range of stakeholders. Starting ASAP #ornithology #zoology #biodiversity #science #ecology
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
September 18, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Fully funded PhD working on insectivorous bird declines with a broad range of stakeholders. Starting ASAP #ornithology #zoology #biodiversity #science #ecology
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
Reposted by Tom Finch
New job alert: An amazing opportunity - our International science team are hiring for a 2yr position (initially) for an experienced scientist to work on tropical forest conservation ๐๐งช
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
๐ทNick Williams/RSPB
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
๐ทNick Williams/RSPB
September 18, 2025 at 10:12 AM
New job alert: An amazing opportunity - our International science team are hiring for a 2yr position (initially) for an experienced scientist to work on tropical forest conservation ๐๐งช
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
๐ทNick Williams/RSPB
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
๐ทNick Williams/RSPB
Reposted by Tom Finch
Very firm statement on releases of captive-bred Turtle Doves, from Operation Turtle Dove inc @rspb.bsky.social & @naturalengland.bsky.social:
*Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines
*Risk of disease/genetic pollution
*Irresponsible aims
operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
*Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines
*Risk of disease/genetic pollution
*Irresponsible aims
operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
Operation Turtle Doveโs view on the release of captive-bred Turtle Doves as a conservation measure - Operation Turtle Dove
Operation Turtle Dove is a science-led conservation partnership working to reverse the decline of Turtle Doves in the UK by restoring habitat and addressing key threats. Learn why captive-bred release...
operationturtledove.org
September 17, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Very firm statement on releases of captive-bred Turtle Doves, from Operation Turtle Dove inc @rspb.bsky.social & @naturalengland.bsky.social:
*Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines
*Risk of disease/genetic pollution
*Irresponsible aims
operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
*Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines
*Risk of disease/genetic pollution
*Irresponsible aims
operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
Some recent beaver activity too
September 10, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Some recent beaver activity too