Ben Averis
@averisben.bsky.social
Botany, bryology, lichens, habitat classification, ecology, biodiversity (http://www.benandalisonaveris.co.uk/), art (http://www.benaverisart.co.uk/), music, poetry... Lives near Edinburgh, Scotland.
An old oak near Welshpool, in mid Wales.
1: About 30-35 years ago. Drawn in coloured pencil in 2010 from a photo taken many years earlier.
2: What remains of the same tree today. A younger oak has been planted nearby (visible at left edge of photo) in the last 15 or so years.
1: About 30-35 years ago. Drawn in coloured pencil in 2010 from a photo taken many years earlier.
2: What remains of the same tree today. A younger oak has been planted nearby (visible at left edge of photo) in the last 15 or so years.
November 19, 2025 at 7:52 PM
An old oak near Welshpool, in mid Wales.
1: About 30-35 years ago. Drawn in coloured pencil in 2010 from a photo taken many years earlier.
2: What remains of the same tree today. A younger oak has been planted nearby (visible at left edge of photo) in the last 15 or so years.
1: About 30-35 years ago. Drawn in coloured pencil in 2010 from a photo taken many years earlier.
2: What remains of the same tree today. A younger oak has been planted nearby (visible at left edge of photo) in the last 15 or so years.
Very surprised to have just found Cowslip (Primula veris) in flower here in East Lothian, Scotland. An unusual time of year for this species to be flowering.
November 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Very surprised to have just found Cowslip (Primula veris) in flower here in East Lothian, Scotland. An unusual time of year for this species to be flowering.
Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis) growing as an epiphyte on the trunk of a palm tree in Barcelona, Spain, today. I've previously seen it only on rocks and walls. Also nice to see fruiting Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) here in its native range.
November 11, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis) growing as an epiphyte on the trunk of a palm tree in Barcelona, Spain, today. I've previously seen it only on rocks and walls. Also nice to see fruiting Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) here in its native range.
Reposted by Ben Averis
PhD Opportunity!
PhD in Ecology and the evolution of tree size
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Fixed term
Closes on Thursday 20 November 2025.
www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/esquivel-mue...
#PlantSciences #PlantSciencePhds #Ecology #EcologyPhds
PhD in Ecology and the evolution of tree size
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Fixed term
Closes on Thursday 20 November 2025.
www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/esquivel-mue...
#PlantSciences #PlantSciencePhds #Ecology #EcologyPhds
November 7, 2025 at 8:38 AM
PhD Opportunity!
PhD in Ecology and the evolution of tree size
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Fixed term
Closes on Thursday 20 November 2025.
www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/esquivel-mue...
#PlantSciences #PlantSciencePhds #Ecology #EcologyPhds
PhD in Ecology and the evolution of tree size
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Fixed term
Closes on Thursday 20 November 2025.
www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/esquivel-mue...
#PlantSciences #PlantSciencePhds #Ecology #EcologyPhds
Reposted by Ben Averis
Imagine being a Minister in Scottish Govt & sanctioning 6 months of torching this sensitive & important carbon-sequestering habitat, in a climate emergency & against will of Parliament, just so a handful of wealthy elites can get off on killing Red Grouse.
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/30/s...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/30/s...
Scottish Govt fiddles while grouse moors burn
Earlier this month the Scottish Government announced a delay, for the second time, of the implementation of muirburn licensing after caving in to pressure from aggressive lobbying by the grouse sho…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
October 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Imagine being a Minister in Scottish Govt & sanctioning 6 months of torching this sensitive & important carbon-sequestering habitat, in a climate emergency & against will of Parliament, just so a handful of wealthy elites can get off on killing Red Grouse.
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/30/s...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/10/30/s...
RSPB Rainforest Restoration Team Worker job in Morvern (West Highlands). Application deadline: Monday 10th November.
app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
Rainforest Restoration Team Worker - (fixed term) | RSPB
You only need to step foot in Scotland's lush, verdant and atmospheric rainforests to understand their enchantment. Bursting with biodiversity, these woodlands are one of the world's rarest habitats. ...
app.vacancy-filler.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 1:43 PM
RSPB Rainforest Restoration Team Worker job in Morvern (West Highlands). Application deadline: Monday 10th November.
app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
Reposted by Ben Averis
Trust & partners now returfing 240 square metres: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for 12 and 13 November. Please write . FYI @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @scotsman.com @scotnational.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social
COMMUNITY ACTION to combat the EROSION EMERGENCY: Calton Hill Conservation Trust and the Café Calton have bought 180 square metres of turf for laying in front of the National Monument on 12 November. 12 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED on 12 NOVEMBER. Write <chair@caltonhilltrust.org>.
October 28, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Trust & partners now returfing 240 square metres: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for 12 and 13 November. Please write . FYI @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @scotsman.com @scotnational.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Averis
Not my usual post type but my friends sister is currently battling cancer, if you can afford to give at all or share. I appreciate there are so many good causes to give your money to at the moment but just in case. Duine álainn í agus maithir go triúr. Grma!
www.gofundme.com/f/cunamh-do-...
www.gofundme.com/f/cunamh-do-...
Donate to Cúnamh do Fionnuala, organized by Geroldine Gannon
Dia dhaoibh, a chairde,
Tá tús curtha againn leis an bhfeachtas bailithe airgid seo le grá agus… Geroldine Gannon needs your support for Cúnamh do Fionnuala
www.gofundme.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Not my usual post type but my friends sister is currently battling cancer, if you can afford to give at all or share. I appreciate there are so many good causes to give your money to at the moment but just in case. Duine álainn í agus maithir go triúr. Grma!
www.gofundme.com/f/cunamh-do-...
www.gofundme.com/f/cunamh-do-...
Reposted by Ben Averis
COMMUNITY ACTION to combat the EROSION EMERGENCY: Calton Hill Conservation Trust and the Café Calton have bought 180 square metres of turf for laying in front of the National Monument on 12 November. 12 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED on 12 NOVEMBER. Write <chair@caltonhilltrust.org>.
October 23, 2025 at 9:07 AM
COMMUNITY ACTION to combat the EROSION EMERGENCY: Calton Hill Conservation Trust and the Café Calton have bought 180 square metres of turf for laying in front of the National Monument on 12 November. 12 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED on 12 NOVEMBER. Write <chair@caltonhilltrust.org>.
Reposted by Ben Averis
Road safety is always important, but we need to be extra careful as the nights grow longer and darker.
Street trees have been found to calm traffic, making drivers safer and more vigilant. Planting more street trees may be the road safety solution we need in our busy towns and cities! 🚗🌳
Street trees have been found to calm traffic, making drivers safer and more vigilant. Planting more street trees may be the road safety solution we need in our busy towns and cities! 🚗🌳
October 23, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Road safety is always important, but we need to be extra careful as the nights grow longer and darker.
Street trees have been found to calm traffic, making drivers safer and more vigilant. Planting more street trees may be the road safety solution we need in our busy towns and cities! 🚗🌳
Street trees have been found to calm traffic, making drivers safer and more vigilant. Planting more street trees may be the road safety solution we need in our busy towns and cities! 🚗🌳
Reposted by Ben Averis
Creating woodland through natural processes: Current understanding and knowledge gaps in Great Britain
Great to contribute to this #OpenAccess paper published in Ecological Solutions & Evidence: doi.org/10.1002/2688... #rewilding #forests #trees #nature @ukceh.bsky.social
Great to contribute to this #OpenAccess paper published in Ecological Solutions & Evidence: doi.org/10.1002/2688... #rewilding #forests #trees #nature @ukceh.bsky.social
October 23, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Creating woodland through natural processes: Current understanding and knowledge gaps in Great Britain
Great to contribute to this #OpenAccess paper published in Ecological Solutions & Evidence: doi.org/10.1002/2688... #rewilding #forests #trees #nature @ukceh.bsky.social
Great to contribute to this #OpenAccess paper published in Ecological Solutions & Evidence: doi.org/10.1002/2688... #rewilding #forests #trees #nature @ukceh.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Averis
The October Bulletin is out 😊: www.communitywoods.org/newsletters-...
Enjoy the Bulletin and want to join the CWA mailing list? Sign up here: dashboard.mailerlite.com/.../96499801...
Enjoy the Bulletin and want to join the CWA mailing list? Sign up here: dashboard.mailerlite.com/.../96499801...
October 23, 2025 at 8:04 AM
The October Bulletin is out 😊: www.communitywoods.org/newsletters-...
Enjoy the Bulletin and want to join the CWA mailing list? Sign up here: dashboard.mailerlite.com/.../96499801...
Enjoy the Bulletin and want to join the CWA mailing list? Sign up here: dashboard.mailerlite.com/.../96499801...
Today I was amazed to find that this toilets room in the National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh is quite a stunning work of art in itself.
October 22, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Today I was amazed to find that this toilets room in the National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh is quite a stunning work of art in itself.
Reposted by Ben Averis
October 21, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Reposted by Ben Averis
Reposted by Ben Averis
🔊 Only 4 days left to apply. 🔊Great opportunity to join a small yet mighty team!
🌳 An exciting role engaging with policymakers to influence Scotland's direction on forestry, farming, land reform & wider land use policy & legislation.
🗓️ Closes 23 Oct
More ▶️ buff.ly/mMiKevs
#PolicyJobs #NatureJobs
🌳 An exciting role engaging with policymakers to influence Scotland's direction on forestry, farming, land reform & wider land use policy & legislation.
🗓️ Closes 23 Oct
More ▶️ buff.ly/mMiKevs
#PolicyJobs #NatureJobs
October 19, 2025 at 10:52 AM
🔊 Only 4 days left to apply. 🔊Great opportunity to join a small yet mighty team!
🌳 An exciting role engaging with policymakers to influence Scotland's direction on forestry, farming, land reform & wider land use policy & legislation.
🗓️ Closes 23 Oct
More ▶️ buff.ly/mMiKevs
#PolicyJobs #NatureJobs
🌳 An exciting role engaging with policymakers to influence Scotland's direction on forestry, farming, land reform & wider land use policy & legislation.
🗓️ Closes 23 Oct
More ▶️ buff.ly/mMiKevs
#PolicyJobs #NatureJobs
Reposted by Ben Averis
Yes, it's a BSS Lecture in DUNDEE...
October 18, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Yes, it's a BSS Lecture in DUNDEE...
My wife Alison found and photographed this Grey Shoulder-knot here in East Lothian, Scotland, a few days ago (13th October 2025). A very rare moth in Scotland. #TeamMoth
October 17, 2025 at 2:26 PM
My wife Alison found and photographed this Grey Shoulder-knot here in East Lothian, Scotland, a few days ago (13th October 2025). A very rare moth in Scotland. #TeamMoth
Reposted by Ben Averis
Bookings are open for the TWIC 2025 Conference 'Coastal Recording & Conservation'
📅 15/11/25
📍 Port Seton Centre (East Lothian)
Join us for captivating talks, engaging displays & chance to meet like-minded individuals.
Booking essential. £20 (£15 students), including lunch. 🔗 tinyurl.com/4fd73mer
📅 15/11/25
📍 Port Seton Centre (East Lothian)
Join us for captivating talks, engaging displays & chance to meet like-minded individuals.
Booking essential. £20 (£15 students), including lunch. 🔗 tinyurl.com/4fd73mer
October 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Bookings are open for the TWIC 2025 Conference 'Coastal Recording & Conservation'
📅 15/11/25
📍 Port Seton Centre (East Lothian)
Join us for captivating talks, engaging displays & chance to meet like-minded individuals.
Booking essential. £20 (£15 students), including lunch. 🔗 tinyurl.com/4fd73mer
📅 15/11/25
📍 Port Seton Centre (East Lothian)
Join us for captivating talks, engaging displays & chance to meet like-minded individuals.
Booking essential. £20 (£15 students), including lunch. 🔗 tinyurl.com/4fd73mer
Reposted by Ben Averis
We've teamed up with Arcana, our newest #BSBICorporateSponsor, to offer the ‘Flora On The Edge’ collection, a range of blankets woven from 100% recycled cotton.
Each design features 5 rare wild plants.
10% of sales goes to support BSBI's work.
View the collection: arcanaliving.com/collections/...
Each design features 5 rare wild plants.
10% of sales goes to support BSBI's work.
View the collection: arcanaliving.com/collections/...
October 15, 2025 at 7:20 PM
We've teamed up with Arcana, our newest #BSBICorporateSponsor, to offer the ‘Flora On The Edge’ collection, a range of blankets woven from 100% recycled cotton.
Each design features 5 rare wild plants.
10% of sales goes to support BSBI's work.
View the collection: arcanaliving.com/collections/...
Each design features 5 rare wild plants.
10% of sales goes to support BSBI's work.
View the collection: arcanaliving.com/collections/...
My wife Alison had these five Merveille du Jour moths in her moth trap this morning, here in SE Scotland.
October 14, 2025 at 1:22 PM
My wife Alison had these five Merveille du Jour moths in her moth trap this morning, here in SE Scotland.
Reposted by Ben Averis
I refuse to let hopelessness prevail. This may just be one essay, by a lawyer few have heard of, in a newsletter read by a fraction of the public. But I will not stay silent.
Will you?
www.democracydocket.com/opinion/i-re...
Will you?
www.democracydocket.com/opinion/i-re...
I Refuse to Stay Silent. Will You?
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
October 7, 2025 at 11:13 PM
I refuse to let hopelessness prevail. This may just be one essay, by a lawyer few have heard of, in a newsletter read by a fraction of the public. But I will not stay silent.
Will you?
www.democracydocket.com/opinion/i-re...
Will you?
www.democracydocket.com/opinion/i-re...
Reposted by Ben Averis
Please help combat BBC news blackout of Green Party!
@zackpolanski.bsky.social was the only party leader not interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg during their party conference.
So please RT his cracking conference speech..
@zackpolanski.bsky.social was the only party leader not interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg during their party conference.
So please RT his cracking conference speech..
Whatever your party politics, @zackpolanski.bsky.social leaders speech deserves to be heard..
www.youtube.com/live/TZx9Vng...
www.youtube.com/live/TZx9Vng...
Leader's Speech - Zack Polanski at Green Party Conference 2025
YouTube video by Green Party of England & Wales
www.youtube.com
October 5, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Please help combat BBC news blackout of Green Party!
@zackpolanski.bsky.social was the only party leader not interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg during their party conference.
So please RT his cracking conference speech..
@zackpolanski.bsky.social was the only party leader not interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg during their party conference.
So please RT his cracking conference speech..