Nathan Prescott
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nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
Nathan Prescott
@nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
56 followers 9 following 52 posts
UK-based Early Career Ecologist & Lepidoptera enthusiast 🦋. Sharing field research and discoveries.
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nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
Looking forward to hosting a lecture at Torquay Museum on the 14th of January!

#butterfly #nature #conservation
Butterfly Talk at the Torquay Museum
December 20, 2025 at 7:43 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
As the new year fast approaches, it’s a good moment to reflect. From training as an Ecological Consultant to getting engaged to my best friend, it’s been a year of growth, excitement, and lasting memories.

Here is to (hopefully) another exciting year to come! 🎉

#Wildlife #Ecology #Reflection
As each year draws to a close, it offers a chance to pause and reflect on the moments that have shaped it. From training as an Ecological Consultant to getting engaged to my best friend, this year has been one of growth, excitement, and lasting memories. As we prepare to welcome 2026, it naturally turns our thoughts towards the future and how we might approach the days, weeks, and months ahead. However you choose to pursue your plans, goals, and ambitions, I wish you every success. Nathan ❤️ #Wildlife #Ecology #Reflection
December 15, 2025 at 7:42 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
Attached are a few snippets from the 2025 work parties at Lower Hurston, Miltor Mator, Little Breach Reserve and Lydford Reserve. Collectively, these sessions supported habitats for a range of rare butterfly species 🦋

Thankyou to @bcdevon.bsky.social and Peter Beale for their continued guidance!
December 11, 2025 at 2:52 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
Usnea articulata, or 'String of Sausages Lichen'. Always amazes me how long these things can drape down from the Tree branches. I notice that they tend to grow on larger canopy species, like Oak. They are also edible, although it is certainly an acquired taste.

#Lichen #Tree
String of Sausage liche hanging down from a piece of branch.
December 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
Some absolutely STUNNING pines at Powderham Castle, Southwest of England!

But is anyone able to help me identify the specific species? I would love to one day plant one of these 🌲

#tree #woodland #pine #wildlife #nature #coniferous
Large Pine in England Towering Pine tree in England
May 3, 2025 at 6:52 AM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
A species of Stonefly (Plecoptera) - a predominately aquatic insect that prefers clean water environments, such as those found in wet woodland or temperate rainforests.

An inquisitive little fellow I was fortunate to catch a picture of a few weeks back

#wildlife #insects #invertebrates #nature
A species of stonefly on a hand
May 1, 2025 at 7:03 AM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
What a magnificent giant! This Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria
araucana)towers over the roadside close to where I work. I can't being to imagine how old it must be!

A great example of a 'living fossil' dating to the Jurassic Period

#Tree #wildlife #nature #ecosystem #forest #habitat #prehistoric
A towering moley puzzle tree
April 30, 2025 at 10:11 AM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
So many of these about at the moment. I have often mistaken these for buttercups (as have others I've spoken to about them) - this sunny chap truly brightens up the forest floor #wildlife #nature #flower #plants #botany #forest #woodland
A bright yellow flower, Lesser Celandine
April 29, 2025 at 6:38 AM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
A beautiful patch of European wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) that I was fortunate enough to spot yesterday!

Such a vibrant green, which the camera simply can't do justice!

#plants #woodland #nature #foraging #horticulture
A patch of bright green Oxalis acetosella (European wood-sorrel)
April 23, 2025 at 12:19 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
I was incredibly lucky to find this the other day! The rare and endangered Blue Ground Beetle on Dartmoor National Park!

#wildlife #nature #endangered #conservation #beetle #insects
April 17, 2025 at 12:59 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
The Primrose can be found in Ancient Broadleaf, Deciduous woodlands where the soil leans more towards the Neutral/ Alkaline side of things.

Keep an eye out for them! 🌼

#nature #wildlife #woodland #habitat #ancient #rainforest #flowers #plantsoftiktok
The Primrose, dark green leaf with a light yellow petal that has a darker yellow centre
April 15, 2025 at 5:35 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
A beautiful Speckled Wood Butterfly I captured the other day - Spring is well and truly underway folks! 🌱🦋

#nature #wildlife #butterflies
A Speckled Wood Butterfly - Prefering woody and garden habitats. Typical of early spring and amongst the first to emerge
April 12, 2025 at 10:40 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
I think it is safe to say that the Sun is here to stay!

And with that comes an abundance of flowers and pollen hungry insects.

In healthy ecosystems, there is an abundance of life flying and crawling around.

Bring on those warm spring and summer days ☀️

#wildlife #nature #outdoors
April 1, 2025 at 8:54 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
I came across this rather strange fellow the other day. It possessed a rock solid texture with a close resemblance to Tufted Bracket (Fuscoporia torulosa).

Any alternative suggestions would be greatly appreciated 👍🍄

#fungus #wildlife #foraging
Tufted Bracket (Fuscoporia torulosa) - ID yet to be confirmed. A solid fungal mass of yellowish green and purple.
March 22, 2025 at 7:46 AM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Greater Spotted Woodpecker the other day! Apologies for the quality zooming in, but either way it was amazing to catch one in action!

#wildlife #nature #birdwatching
March 5, 2025 at 11:39 AM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
The forbidden cake slice 🍰 🌿

#wildlife #nature #moss #biodiversity
A close-up photograph of a person holding a clump of earth covered in moss, small ferns, and other vegetation. The person's hand is visible at the bottom left corner, partially covered by an orange long-sleeved garment, likely a work jacket. The clump of earth is rich with dark brown soil and fine roots extending from the bottom. The top of the clump is covered in a dense layer of green moss, interspersed with small ferns that have delicate, segmented fronds, some of which show signs of browning or drying. Additionally, small green leaves from another plant species are present among the moss and ferns. The background of the image consists of a woodland or forest floor, with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, casting light on the ground. The surrounding vegetation includes green ivy climbing over logs and branches, as well as other undergrowth. The forest floor is covered with fallen leaves and organic debris, suggesting a temperate deciduous woodland setting. The clump of earth appears to have been recently lifted from the ground, as the soil is still attached and the roots are intact. The bright sunlight enhances the textures and colors, making the details of the moss, ferns, and soil stand out vividly against the more blurred, natural woodland background. The image conveys a sense of ecological interest, possibly related to conservation, habitat restoration, or botanical study. The presence of the orange workwear suggests the person might be engaged in fieldwork, ecological surveying, or land management. The composition emphasizes the natural beauty of the microhabitat, showcasing the intricate relationships between mosses, ferns, and soil in a woodland ecosystem.
February 9, 2025 at 6:16 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
A nice little collection of Braket fungus 🍄 Have you found any funky fungi recently?

#forage #fungus #mushroom #nature #wildlife
A close-up of a group of bracket fungi, likely Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), growing on the dark, decaying surface of a tree trunk. The fungi are layered in overlapping, semi-circular formations with wavy edges. Their colouration includes rich shades of brown, tan, and orange, with a distinctive white outer rim. The texture appears slightly rough, with subtle ridges running across the surface. The tree bark is dark and damp, contrasting with the fungi's lighter, vibrant hues. Patches of bright green moss grow around and among the fungi, adding a sense of lushness and moisture. A small, slender twig, partially covered in moss, runs vertically through the composition. The background is slightly blurred but suggests more moss, organic debris, and decaying wood. The fungi are prominent in the frame, showcasing their detailed patterns and natural beauty in a forest ecosystem. A close-up of a single bracket fungus, possibly Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), attached to the rough, dark bark of a decaying tree trunk. The fungus has a semi-circular shape with delicate concentric bands of dark brown, reddish-brown, and tan, framed by a bright white edge. Its slightly glossy surface contrasts with the velvety green moss that grows in thick clusters around it. The moss spreads across the tree bark, covering crevices and creating a vibrant, textured backdrop. The damp environment is emphasized by moisture on the fungus and bark. In the lower part of the image, blurred fallen leaves in shades of brown and orange indicate a forest floor setting. The focus is sharp on the fungus and moss, highlighting intricate details of their growth patterns, textures, and the symbiotic relationship between fungi and decaying wood in the ecosystem.
February 4, 2025 at 8:03 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
A morning spent relocating Dormouse nest boxes - looking forward to seeing if we get any nests this year! 🐁❤️

#wildlife #conservation #endangeredspecies #Dormouse #nest
A Dormouse nest box The nesting material and structure of a Dormouse nest A Dormouse nest box with my approval (thumbs up)
January 31, 2025 at 8:07 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
A healthy ecosystem consists of at least 10% decaying matter, usually in the form of fallen or cut trees 🌳🪚

This provides recycled nutrients and a home for decomposers like mushrooms and invertebrates 🍄🪲

It may not be pretty, but it's essential!

#ecosystem #nature #habitat
This image showcases a pile of freshly cut tree branches and logs resting on the forest floor, surrounded by dense undergrowth and moss-covered vegetation. The scene is a mixture of vibrant green moss, earthy browns, and natural textures, highlighting a recent intervention in the natural environment, likely part of woodland management or conservation efforts. The logs are variously sized, some thick and freshly cut with smooth cross-sections that reveal the wood’s inner layers, while others are smaller branches, tangled with vines and leaves. The larger logs in the foreground are cut cleanly, exposing their bright, raw wood interiors, contrasting against the dark, moss-covered bark of the remaining logs. Many of the logs and branches are covered in a thick layer of moss, indicating they were part of an old, shaded forest ecosystem where moss thrives on damp surfaces. The vivid green of the moss contrasts with the dull brown bark of the branches, creating a visually dynamic scene that draws the eye across the composition. In some places, ivy or other climbing plants are entwined with the cut wood, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of the forest floor and the complexity of the ecosystem. The pile itself seems haphazardly arranged, with logs and branches overlapping chaotically, suggesting the natural spontaneity of the scene and the human effort involved in clearing or cutting the area. The background of the image is dominated by the surrounding forest, with a thick network of branches, ivy-covered tree trunks, and a carpet of leaf litter. The lighting is soft and diffused, likely filtered through a canopy of trees or a cloudy sky, which creates a muted and tranquil atmosphere. This lighting enhances the colors and textures, drawing attention to the mossy surfaces and the freshly cut wood without harsh shadows. The forest appears untouched beyond the immediate area of the pile, giving a sense of balance between the intervention and the untouched natural wor…
January 29, 2025 at 5:07 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
Just some very cool mushies 🍄 That is all!

#forage #mushroom #nature
"This close-up photograph captures an intricate and fascinating natural occurrence where small, brown mushrooms are growing out of a coarse, aged rope. The rope is heavily textured, with frayed and matted fibers coated in what appears to be moss or algae, giving it a greenish tinge and suggesting that it has been exposed to outdoor elements for an extended period. The fungi, with their delicate, convex caps, range in size, with the largest ones being no more than a few centimeters in diameter. Their rich, earthy brown hues contrast sharply with the muted greens and yellows of the rope, creating a visually striking scene. The mushrooms grow in clusters, their caps overlapping and some slightly tilted, which provides a dynamic composition. The cap surfaces are smooth and have a faint sheen that suggests they might be slightly moist from dew or humidity in the environment. Some of the smaller mushrooms are nestled deeper within the fibers of the rope, while others extend outward, making their growth pattern appear opportunistic, as if they are taking full advantage of the rope's structure and moisture retention. The rope itself is wound around a cylindrical piece of wood, which is partially visible in the background. The wood is weathered, with its dark surface showing signs of aging and exposure to the elements, such as faint cracks and discoloration. The combination of the natural wood and rope creates a rustic and organic setting, ideal for this small ecosystem to thrive. The fungi's presence on the rope demonstrates how nature finds a way to colonize even the most unexpected places, turning a man-made object into a substrate for life. The background is softly blurred, achieved through a shallow depth of field, which keeps the focus on the mushrooms and rope while providing hints of the surrounding environment. This environment appears to be outdoors, likely in a forested or garden-like setting, based on the diffused lighting and muted tones. The background featu…
January 28, 2025 at 5:59 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
This guy offers to help you with your gardening - what is your answer? 🤔 #conservation #habitatmanagement #wildlife #butterflies
A man standing in a field during what appears to be a conservation or outdoor maintenance activity. He is wearing a gray sweater, olive-green trousers, and yellow work gloves while holding large pruning shears in both hands. He is smiling enthusiastically, appearing engaged with his task. The area around him is a mix of dry grass, brambles, and some small saplings, with a green tarp and tools in the background. The setting is a partially wooded landscape with some tall trees and an open sky above. In the distance, there are power lines and a faint outline of a vehicle, suggesting a rural or semi-managed environment
January 27, 2025 at 6:24 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
A little throwback to some autumnal discoveries 🍁🍂🍄

#wildlife #nature #mushroom #moss #lichen #forest #floral #habitat #ecosystem
A dense cluster of tiny, delicate mushrooms with translucent white caps and slender stems sprouting from a rich green moss-covered surface. The mushrooms range in size, with smaller ones dotting the moss around the base of larger specimens. Fallen oak leaves and bits of forest debris are scattered around, highlighting the diversity of life on the forest floor. The intricate texture of the moss adds depth to the image. A close-up of a moss-covered fallen log in a forest, with vibrant green moss blanketing its surface. Several types of lichens and fungi are growing on the log, including bright orange-brown, ruffled shelf fungi with lighter edges. The scene is damp, with hints of leafy vegetation in the background, contributing to the lush, biodiverse atmosphere of the forest floor. A collection of dark brown to black shelf fungi with creamy white, wavy edges growing in layered formations along the surface of a tree trunk. The trunk is covered with patches of bright green moss and partially surrounded by damp, brown autumn leaves. The fungi have a textured, almost velvety appearance, and their arrangement suggests a thriving micro-ecosystem within the forest environment. A single twig covered in pale green and white, intricately branched lichens, held in focus by a person’s hand. The lichens appear three-dimensional, with a coral-like structure extending outward in delicate, overlapping formations. The background is a blurred mix of brown, green, and yellow tones, evoking the forest floor with scattered leaves, moss, and distant ferns.
January 26, 2025 at 12:47 PM
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'We commonly think of animals and plants as matter, but they are really systems through which matter is continuously passing'

When we see an organism, from a fungus to a pine tree, we catch a single moment in its continual development

- Taken from Merlin Sheldrakes 'Entangled Life'

#wildlife
An upward perspective of a towering tree wrapped in a lush, vibrant layer of moss that creates a vivid green contrast against the surrounding forest. The trunk is textured with the uneven growth of moss, interspersed with delicate ferns and small plants clinging to its surface. Above, the bare, twisting branches stretch out like veins against the pale, overcast sky, creating an intricate web of natural patterns. The scene evokes a sense of ancient, untamed beauty and the quiet persistence of life in a winter woodland.
January 25, 2025 at 7:48 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
Today was all about habitat management! At Haldon forest, underneath the main powerline, the Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterflies call this patch home 🦋

They are sadly in decline across the UK (30 - 40% over the last decade). Patches like these are their best hope!

#wildlife #butterfly #nature
January 25, 2025 at 6:04 PM
nathansfieldnotes.bsky.social
I have to admit, there are certainly worse places to work - my morning view 🌿 #nature #woodland #wildlife #outdoors
A tranquil woodland scene featuring a moss-covered path winding through large boulders and under tall, leafless trees. The sunlight filters through the branches, highlighting the vivid green moss and creating a peaceful atmosphere. A small wooden fence adds a rustic touch, while dense greenery surrounds the area, giving the forest a lush, serene feel.
January 18, 2025 at 11:39 AM