Martin Lavelle
@martinlavelle.bsky.social
Humanist, interested in invertebrates, retired theoretical physicist owned by two cats.
Aglais urticae, Small tortoiseshell, flew onto me last night. Escorted out. Flew back in. Escorted out. #Butterfly
November 23, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Aglais urticae, Small tortoiseshell, flew onto me last night. Escorted out. Flew back in. Escorted out. #Butterfly
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
At present the issue is how to reinforce existing infrastructure or fortify shoreline, or relocate, Indigenous villages. In future decades major coastal cities around the world will face the same dilemma. Metres of sea-level rise are committed, even if we succeed in reaching net zero.
Storms that battered Alaska’s western coast this fall have brought renewed attention to low-lying Indigenous villages left increasingly vulnerable by climate change.
Alaska Native villages have few options and little US help as climate change devours their land
Storms that battered Alaska’s western coast this fall have brought renewed attention to low-lying Indigenous villages left increasingly vulnerable by climate change.
bit.ly
November 23, 2025 at 8:12 AM
At present the issue is how to reinforce existing infrastructure or fortify shoreline, or relocate, Indigenous villages. In future decades major coastal cities around the world will face the same dilemma. Metres of sea-level rise are committed, even if we succeed in reaching net zero.
@lukepollard.bsky.social can't @uklabour.bsky.social ban gambling advertising?
Gambling - an industry out of control doing enormous damage to individuals and communities.
How much suffering (and NHS costs) could be saved, how much #PublicHealth improved, if no advertising at all?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
How much suffering (and NHS costs) could be saved, how much #PublicHealth improved, if no advertising at all?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK gambling firms spent ‘astronomic’ £2bn on advertising last year
Calls for Rachel Reeves to increase taxes in budget as estimate outstrips duties collected from online casinos
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:25 AM
@lukepollard.bsky.social can't @uklabour.bsky.social ban gambling advertising?
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
The Government makes a lot of money from this grubby and miserably cancerous industry...
Gambling - an industry out of control doing enormous damage to individuals and communities.
How much suffering (and NHS costs) could be saved, how much #PublicHealth improved, if no advertising at all?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
How much suffering (and NHS costs) could be saved, how much #PublicHealth improved, if no advertising at all?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK gambling firms spent ‘astronomic’ £2bn on advertising last year
Calls for Rachel Reeves to increase taxes in budget as estimate outstrips duties collected from online casinos
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:16 AM
The Government makes a lot of money from this grubby and miserably cancerous industry...
Unbelievable. But believable.
Exclusive: The U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika, nooses and the Confederate flag as hate symbols.
The military service drafted a new policy that classifies them as “potentially divisive.”
The military service drafted a new policy that classifies them as “potentially divisive.”
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Am I allowed a bit more shameless self-publicity? Available for pre-order! 💚
@pelagic.bsky.social
pelagicpublishing.com/products/the...
@pelagic.bsky.social
pelagicpublishing.com/products/the...
The Biological Recording Handbook
Biological recording is the discipline of writing down natural history observations of a correctly identified species, in a specific location, on a specific date, by a named individual. Simple enough,...
pelagicpublishing.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Am I allowed a bit more shameless self-publicity? Available for pre-order! 💚
@pelagic.bsky.social
pelagicpublishing.com/products/the...
@pelagic.bsky.social
pelagicpublishing.com/products/the...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Big news! The Supreme Court has ruled that RE in Northern Ireland is indoctrinatory. Alongside mandatory collective worship and a ‘stigmatising’ right of withdrawal, this is discriminatory under human rights law. All eyes on how the governments of the UK respond 👀 humanists.uk/2025/11/19/s...
Northern Ireland RE curriculum is ‘indoctrination’ – Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a non-religious father and his child that the exclusively Christian teaching of Religious Education (RE) and collective worship in Northern Ireland are ‘indoct...
humanists.uk
November 19, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Big news! The Supreme Court has ruled that RE in Northern Ireland is indoctrinatory. Alongside mandatory collective worship and a ‘stigmatising’ right of withdrawal, this is discriminatory under human rights law. All eyes on how the governments of the UK respond 👀 humanists.uk/2025/11/19/s...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
BREAKING: The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a Belfast-based non-religious father and his child that the exclusively Christian teaching of Religious Education and mandatory Christian collective worship in Northern Ireland are discriminatory under human rights law.
November 19, 2025 at 10:03 AM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a Belfast-based non-religious father and his child that the exclusively Christian teaching of Religious Education and mandatory Christian collective worship in Northern Ireland are discriminatory under human rights law.
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
We really need to act immediately. Will COP30 achieve anything substantial or be yet another cop- out thanks to the vested interests of the fossil fuel industries? I'm not optimistic, but miracles can happen, I suppose...
‘Deathly silent’: two out of three corals in world heritage-listed Ningaloo reef have been killed, scientists confirm
‘Deathly silent’: two out of three corals in world heritage-listed Ningaloo reef have been killed, scientists confirm
One expert says he is ‘starting to visualise the point where all we have left of corals and reefs is memories’
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:33 AM
We really need to act immediately. Will COP30 achieve anything substantial or be yet another cop- out thanks to the vested interests of the fossil fuel industries? I'm not optimistic, but miracles can happen, I suppose...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
A High Court judge has forced a six-year-old girl to keep the surname of the man who raped her mother. We think this is an outrage and are putting together a legal team so D's mother can take her case to the European Court of Human Rights.
But we need your help. goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/...
But we need your help. goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/...
The law has failed a woman and her child – fight back
No survivor should face harm from the very system that is meant to protect them. No child should have to carry an abuser’s name. It’s time to change the system.
goodlawproject.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
A High Court judge has forced a six-year-old girl to keep the surname of the man who raped her mother. We think this is an outrage and are putting together a legal team so D's mother can take her case to the European Court of Human Rights.
But we need your help. goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/...
But we need your help. goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
We're delighted that tireless advocate for the natural world, @chrisgpackham.bsky.social CBE, will be opening the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster Central Hall on 27th November.
Chris speaking with @bbclaurak.bsky.social earlier👇
Please make sure your MP is attending: nebriefing.org
#NEB
Chris speaking with @bbclaurak.bsky.social earlier👇
Please make sure your MP is attending: nebriefing.org
#NEB
November 9, 2025 at 4:46 PM
We're delighted that tireless advocate for the natural world, @chrisgpackham.bsky.social CBE, will be opening the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster Central Hall on 27th November.
Chris speaking with @bbclaurak.bsky.social earlier👇
Please make sure your MP is attending: nebriefing.org
#NEB
Chris speaking with @bbclaurak.bsky.social earlier👇
Please make sure your MP is attending: nebriefing.org
#NEB
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Good news: Study shows France’s birds making tentative recovery after neonicotinoid pesticide ban
UK has only just closed loophole in neonics ban (‘derogations’) so may be too soon to see recovery here?
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK has only just closed loophole in neonics ban (‘derogations’) so may be too soon to see recovery here?
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
With neonicotinoid pesticide ban, France’s birds make a tentative recovery - study
Analysis shows small hike in populations of insect-eating species after 2018 ruling, but full recovery may take decades
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Good news: Study shows France’s birds making tentative recovery after neonicotinoid pesticide ban
UK has only just closed loophole in neonics ban (‘derogations’) so may be too soon to see recovery here?
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK has only just closed loophole in neonics ban (‘derogations’) so may be too soon to see recovery here?
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I hope my MP @lukepollard.bsky.social will agree with this and not follow the dreadful ideas of the Home Secretary
We absolutely need immigration controls. And where those controls decide to grant asylum, we should welcome and integrate, not create perpetual limbo and alienation.
The rhetoric around these reforms encourages the same culture of divisiveness that sees racism and abuse growing in our communities.
The rhetoric around these reforms encourages the same culture of divisiveness that sees racism and abuse growing in our communities.
November 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
I hope my MP @lukepollard.bsky.social will agree with this and not follow the dreadful ideas of the Home Secretary
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
The truth is that government is ignoring the need to prepare for severe climate breakdown impacts - flood, heat, drought, storm, crop failures
Even to the extent of suppressing the recent Joint Intelligence Committee climate report
@johnharris1969
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Even to the extent of suppressing the recent Joint Intelligence Committee climate report
@johnharris1969
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Flooded and forgotten: the UK’s waters are rising and we’re being kept in the dark | John Harris
Rescue operations in Wales, submerged railway lines in Cornwall – these events are ever more common. So why have we utterly failed to prepare, asks Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The truth is that government is ignoring the need to prepare for severe climate breakdown impacts - flood, heat, drought, storm, crop failures
Even to the extent of suppressing the recent Joint Intelligence Committee climate report
@johnharris1969
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Even to the extent of suppressing the recent Joint Intelligence Committee climate report
@johnharris1969
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Did you know the name of the spiked thingy on the end of a Stegosaurus’ tail? Coolest etymology ever.
November 15, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Did you know the name of the spiked thingy on the end of a Stegosaurus’ tail? Coolest etymology ever.
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Without asylum:
Marks and Spencer wouldn't exist
Queen would have been without a front man
The other queen wouldn't have had a husband
Judith Kerr would never have written The Tiger Who Came to Tea
And thousands of less famous people wouldn't have been teachers, politicians, neighbours, etc
Marks and Spencer wouldn't exist
Queen would have been without a front man
The other queen wouldn't have had a husband
Judith Kerr would never have written The Tiger Who Came to Tea
And thousands of less famous people wouldn't have been teachers, politicians, neighbours, etc
November 15, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Without asylum:
Marks and Spencer wouldn't exist
Queen would have been without a front man
The other queen wouldn't have had a husband
Judith Kerr would never have written The Tiger Who Came to Tea
And thousands of less famous people wouldn't have been teachers, politicians, neighbours, etc
Marks and Spencer wouldn't exist
Queen would have been without a front man
The other queen wouldn't have had a husband
Judith Kerr would never have written The Tiger Who Came to Tea
And thousands of less famous people wouldn't have been teachers, politicians, neighbours, etc
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
We are currently #recruiting a Bats in Churches Advisor (maternity cover). Application deadline is 9am, 17 Nov. More info: www.bats.org.uk/the-trust/jo...
Bats in Churches Advisor - Maternity cover - Jobs / Contracts - Bat Conservation Trust
Full time (37.5 per week, not including one hour for lunch)Fixed term contract as maternity coverSalary: £30,422 per annum pro rataDuration: 19th Januar...
www.bats.org.uk
November 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
We are currently #recruiting a Bats in Churches Advisor (maternity cover). Application deadline is 9am, 17 Nov. More info: www.bats.org.uk/the-trust/jo...
A nice video talking you on a journey through #Weevils in Britain and multiple resources. #Entomology
biologicalrecording.co.uk/2025/10/20/g...
biologicalrecording.co.uk/2025/10/20/g...
Getting to Know Weevils
Mark Gurney (UK Weevil Recording Scheme) provides an introduction to this adorable, fascinating and diverse group of beetles in the UK.
biologicalrecording.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 5:21 PM
A nice video talking you on a journey through #Weevils in Britain and multiple resources. #Entomology
biologicalrecording.co.uk/2025/10/20/g...
biologicalrecording.co.uk/2025/10/20/g...
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
For those unable to attend the #DipteristDay2025 in person, see you online. Link below 🪰
November 14, 2025 at 2:26 PM
For those unable to attend the #DipteristDay2025 in person, see you online. Link below 🪰
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
"We often hear land described as “unused” — but to wildlife, no space is ever empty. 🌱🦊
Those quiet fields, overgrown corners, and wild patches are homes, hunting grounds, nurseries, and safe corridors for countless species."
via Cultivating Green Spaces
Those quiet fields, overgrown corners, and wild patches are homes, hunting grounds, nurseries, and safe corridors for countless species."
via Cultivating Green Spaces
November 14, 2025 at 9:54 AM
"We often hear land described as “unused” — but to wildlife, no space is ever empty. 🌱🦊
Those quiet fields, overgrown corners, and wild patches are homes, hunting grounds, nurseries, and safe corridors for countless species."
via Cultivating Green Spaces
Those quiet fields, overgrown corners, and wild patches are homes, hunting grounds, nurseries, and safe corridors for countless species."
via Cultivating Green Spaces
How Britain works
Water company United Utilities enjoys 131% rise in profits after bills go up £112.
UU has 205+ criminal convictions.
Loses over 175bn litres of water to leaks. In 2024 dumped sewage 450,778 hours in rivers//akes. No exec prosecuted/fined
Rewarded with higher price and profit.
archive.ph/7aP8O
UU has 205+ criminal convictions.
Loses over 175bn litres of water to leaks. In 2024 dumped sewage 450,778 hours in rivers//akes. No exec prosecuted/fined
Rewarded with higher price and profit.
archive.ph/7aP8O
Water company enjoys 131% rise in profits after bills go up £112
United Utilities, whose executives are barred from receiving bonuses because of pollution record, will pay out most of the increase in dividends
www.thetimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:45 AM
How Britain works
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
From urban walls to ancient woodlands, lichens tell stories about our environment. Lichens of Britain & Ireland helps you read them.
Available to pre-order now!
Available to pre-order now!
November 14, 2025 at 9:09 AM
From urban walls to ancient woodlands, lichens tell stories about our environment. Lichens of Britain & Ireland helps you read them.
Available to pre-order now!
Available to pre-order now!
Reposted by Martin Lavelle
Icymi! Click below the cover preview to read chapter 1
After generations of family adventures, Sawyer Lee is determined to sink in the couch! The problem is that it will take a regrettable amount of energy for him to escape the mysteries, conspiracies, and gourd-based festivities the whole town throws his way.
us.macmillan.com/books/978037...
us.macmillan.com/books/978037...
November 13, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Icymi! Click below the cover preview to read chapter 1
Dreadful from the anti-wildlife government, @lukepollard.bsky.social @uklabour.bsky.social
Amendment 40 to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill has been voted down.
Had it passed, it would have meant more precious wildlife would have retained existing protections.
Instead, MPs have bought into the false 'nature vs growth' narrative.
Had it passed, it would have meant more precious wildlife would have retained existing protections.
Instead, MPs have bought into the false 'nature vs growth' narrative.
November 13, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Dreadful from the anti-wildlife government, @lukepollard.bsky.social @uklabour.bsky.social