Vicki Hird MSc FRES
@vickihird.bsky.social
Lobbies on food, farming, environment policy, just transition & research,strategy, talks, writing, blogs, books..
Passion for bugs
Author of 'Rebugging the Planet' & 'Perfectly Safe to Eat?'
Share≠agree
https://linktr.ee/vickihird
also @WildlifeTrusts
Passion for bugs
Author of 'Rebugging the Planet' & 'Perfectly Safe to Eat?'
Share≠agree
https://linktr.ee/vickihird
also @WildlifeTrusts
Pinned
Healthy soil – the ultimate essential infrastructure | The Wildlife Trusts
As the Wildlife Trusts head off to the regenerative farming event Groundswell, where soil health rightly takes centre stage, Vicki Hird looks at the tools we need to restore and protect our soils.
www.wildlifetrusts.org
Lovely time writing this soil blog anticipating Groundswell ag chats
Blog by me
www.wildlifetrusts.org/blog/vicki-h...
Blog by me
www.wildlifetrusts.org/blog/vicki-h...
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Many people think about cold in Northern Europe if the Atlantic Ocean current system #AMOC fails. But that wouldn’t be the only problem for Europe by far.
This new study shows that severe drought is another one. 🌊
This new study shows that severe drought is another one. 🌊
📢 New paper on the impacts of AMOC collapse on European hydroclimate. 🌊
We find an AMOC collapse would exacerbate drought conditions across Europe, linked to reduced precipitation. In combination with climate change droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe.
doi.org/10.5194/hess...
We find an AMOC collapse would exacerbate drought conditions across Europe, linked to reduced precipitation. In combination with climate change droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe.
doi.org/10.5194/hess...
Changing European hydroclimate under a collapsed AMOC in the Community Earth System Model
Abstract. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is expected to weaken or even collapse under anthropogenic climate change. Given the importance of the AMOC in the present-day climate,...
doi.org
November 22, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Many people think about cold in Northern Europe if the Atlantic Ocean current system #AMOC fails. But that wouldn’t be the only problem for Europe by far.
This new study shows that severe drought is another one. 🌊
This new study shows that severe drought is another one. 🌊
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
#Cop30 live: standoff over inclusion of fossil fuel phaseout in final text escalates
- Following a dramatic fire yesterday, the climate summit is meant to finish this evening, but disagreements over the final text look difficult to resolve
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
- Following a dramatic fire yesterday, the climate summit is meant to finish this evening, but disagreements over the final text look difficult to resolve
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Cop30 live: standoff over inclusion of fossil fuel phaseout in final text escalates
Following a dramatic fire yesterday, the climate summit is due to finish this evening, but disagreements over the final text look difficult to resolve
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:33 AM
#Cop30 live: standoff over inclusion of fossil fuel phaseout in final text escalates
- Following a dramatic fire yesterday, the climate summit is meant to finish this evening, but disagreements over the final text look difficult to resolve
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
- Following a dramatic fire yesterday, the climate summit is meant to finish this evening, but disagreements over the final text look difficult to resolve
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Why supermarkets are putting key industry at ‘financial risk’ - new
@riverford.bsky.social survey of farmers showing why we need stronger, joined up regulation www.independent.co.uk/news/busines...
@riverford.bsky.social survey of farmers showing why we need stronger, joined up regulation www.independent.co.uk/news/busines...
Why supermarkets are putting key industry at ‘financial risk’
More than two thirds of farmers believe the buying relationship between themselves and retailers has deteriorated
www.independent.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Why supermarkets are putting key industry at ‘financial risk’ - new
@riverford.bsky.social survey of farmers showing why we need stronger, joined up regulation www.independent.co.uk/news/busines...
@riverford.bsky.social survey of farmers showing why we need stronger, joined up regulation www.independent.co.uk/news/busines...
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
We're really looking forward to this talk from Serian Sumner this Friday. Join us online or in person, with a book signing & drinks reception afterwards.
@waspwoman.bsky.social Reserve your seat now! bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
@ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk @oxfordgeography.bsky.social
@waspwoman.bsky.social Reserve your seat now! bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
@ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk @oxfordgeography.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 3:15 PM
We're really looking forward to this talk from Serian Sumner this Friday. Join us online or in person, with a book signing & drinks reception afterwards.
@waspwoman.bsky.social Reserve your seat now! bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
@ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk @oxfordgeography.bsky.social
@waspwoman.bsky.social Reserve your seat now! bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
@ecioxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk @oxfordgeography.bsky.social
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Rising global consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) poses a major threat to health, researchers warn
u.afp.com/Snrf
u.afp.com/Snrf
November 19, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Rising global consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) poses a major threat to health, researchers warn
u.afp.com/Snrf
u.afp.com/Snrf
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
More than 300 big agriculture lobbyists took part in Cop30, investigation finds
More than 300 big agriculture lobbyists took part in Cop30, investigation finds
Lobbyists representing industry responsible for a quarter to a third of global emissions participated in key talks at the UN climate summit
More than 300 industrial agriculture lobbyists have participated at this year’s UN climate talks taking place in the Brazilian Amazon, where the industry is the leading cause of deforestation, a new investigation has found.
The number of lobbyists representing the interests of industrial cattle farming, commodity grains and pesticides is up 14% on last year’s summit in Baku – and larger than the delegation of the world’s 10th largest economy, Canada, which brought 220 delegates to Cop30 in Belém, according to the joint investigation by DeSmog and the Guardian. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:10 AM
More than 300 big agriculture lobbyists took part in Cop30, investigation finds
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Did you know that over *half* of the GHG emissions from Southeast Asia come from deforestation & agriculture?
We can't solve climate change without taking these seriously.
drawdown.org/insights/why...
We can't solve climate change without taking these seriously.
drawdown.org/insights/why...
Why forests and farming are critical climate solutions in Southeast Asia
A recent report highlights the hotspots of emissions in Southeast Asia and reveals a roadmap for the most impactful solutions.
drawdown.org
November 16, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Did you know that over *half* of the GHG emissions from Southeast Asia come from deforestation & agriculture?
We can't solve climate change without taking these seriously.
drawdown.org/insights/why...
We can't solve climate change without taking these seriously.
drawdown.org/insights/why...
Very much worth reading from @georgemonbiot.bsky.social on the epistemic or knowledge crisis we have
"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." Malcolm X.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Dark forces are preventing us fighting the climate crisis – by taking knowledge hostage | George Monbiot
The fundamental problem is this: that most of the means of communication are owned or influenced by the very rich, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Very much worth reading from @georgemonbiot.bsky.social on the epistemic or knowledge crisis we have
PSA! leaf litter on your lawn can house thousands of babies🧐 - some hoverfly babies (larvae) i spotted earlier today. (plus old hoverfly pic for info)
Don't put leaf litter in the bin- it's a precious, nutrient-filled habitat..Pile it up, compost it or just leave it... 😁🌿🍁🍂
Don't put leaf litter in the bin- it's a precious, nutrient-filled habitat..Pile it up, compost it or just leave it... 😁🌿🍁🍂
November 16, 2025 at 1:17 PM
PSA! leaf litter on your lawn can house thousands of babies🧐 - some hoverfly babies (larvae) i spotted earlier today. (plus old hoverfly pic for info)
Don't put leaf litter in the bin- it's a precious, nutrient-filled habitat..Pile it up, compost it or just leave it... 😁🌿🍁🍂
Don't put leaf litter in the bin- it's a precious, nutrient-filled habitat..Pile it up, compost it or just leave it... 😁🌿🍁🍂
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Just published in
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
Nitrogen-fixing species increases #soil organic #carbon stock: Meta-analysis
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
Free:
rdcu.be/eHxXI
#SoilOrganicMatter #SoilOrganicCarbon #sequestration #carbonsequestration #agriculture #global #landuse
#Fertilisers #nitrogen
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
Nitrogen-fixing species increases #soil organic #carbon stock: Meta-analysis
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
Free:
rdcu.be/eHxXI
#SoilOrganicMatter #SoilOrganicCarbon #sequestration #carbonsequestration #agriculture #global #landuse
#Fertilisers #nitrogen
Meta-analysis shows that planting nitrogen-fixing species increases soil organic carbon stock - Nature Ecology & Evolution
This meta-analysis finds that planting nitrogen-fixing species increases soil carbon compared with non-nitrogen-fixing species. Using nitrogen-fixing species for forestation, agriculture and land rege...
doi.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Just published in
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
Nitrogen-fixing species increases #soil organic #carbon stock: Meta-analysis
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
Free:
rdcu.be/eHxXI
#SoilOrganicMatter #SoilOrganicCarbon #sequestration #carbonsequestration #agriculture #global #landuse
#Fertilisers #nitrogen
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
Nitrogen-fixing species increases #soil organic #carbon stock: Meta-analysis
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
Free:
rdcu.be/eHxXI
#SoilOrganicMatter #SoilOrganicCarbon #sequestration #carbonsequestration #agriculture #global #landuse
#Fertilisers #nitrogen
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Deregulation - the dark path to poison in your lungs, excrement in your rivers, carcinogens in your food.
A growing movement in Brussels is spreading the message that asking business to follow rules leads to economic death. They're working hard to destroy EU environmental + chemical protections.
A growing movement in Brussels is spreading the message that asking business to follow rules leads to economic death. They're working hard to destroy EU environmental + chemical protections.
November 13, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Deregulation - the dark path to poison in your lungs, excrement in your rivers, carcinogens in your food.
A growing movement in Brussels is spreading the message that asking business to follow rules leads to economic death. They're working hard to destroy EU environmental + chemical protections.
A growing movement in Brussels is spreading the message that asking business to follow rules leads to economic death. They're working hard to destroy EU environmental + chemical protections.
fabulous film on housing 😄
@WildlifeTrusts
Rot Property: house hunting in deadwood youtu.be/BiPQwJbeC3Y?... via
@YouTube
@WildlifeTrusts
Rot Property: house hunting in deadwood youtu.be/BiPQwJbeC3Y?... via
@YouTube
Rot Property: house hunting in deadwood
YouTube video by The Wildlife Trusts
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
fabulous film on housing 😄
@WildlifeTrusts
Rot Property: house hunting in deadwood youtu.be/BiPQwJbeC3Y?... via
@YouTube
@WildlifeTrusts
Rot Property: house hunting in deadwood youtu.be/BiPQwJbeC3Y?... via
@YouTube
Loved doing this podcast and attending the @#agroforestryshow
🎙️New Agricology Podcast Launch!
'Agroforestry Through the Elements'🔥🌱🌊 E1: Water.
Feat. @vickihird.bsky.social, @benraskin.bsky.social and Colin Tosh from @organicrescent.bsky.social.
LISTEN NOW ➡️https://ow.ly/Uj3p50XnMM2
#Agroforestry #Trees #FarmingPodcast #SustainableFarming
'Agroforestry Through the Elements'🔥🌱🌊 E1: Water.
Feat. @vickihird.bsky.social, @benraskin.bsky.social and Colin Tosh from @organicrescent.bsky.social.
LISTEN NOW ➡️https://ow.ly/Uj3p50XnMM2
#Agroforestry #Trees #FarmingPodcast #SustainableFarming
November 6, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Loved doing this podcast and attending the @#agroforestryshow
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
New school curriculum for England includes a focus on climate change and sustainability and media literacy, i.e. recognising disinformation
Good!
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Good!
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
England curriculum should focus less on exams and more on life skills, finds review
Experts say pupils should spend less time in exam halls and more time on activities like life skills, sport and work experience
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:15 AM
New school curriculum for England includes a focus on climate change and sustainability and media literacy, i.e. recognising disinformation
Good!
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Good!
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
The frustrating thing is
a. We've known this for years but havent managed to reverse it and
b. The farm industry reps defend it, as their members get ever lower prices and poor deals, even those trying to do right thing for welfare, health, nature.. They need better reps and new better markets.
a. We've known this for years but havent managed to reverse it and
b. The farm industry reps defend it, as their members get ever lower prices and poor deals, even those trying to do right thing for welfare, health, nature.. They need better reps and new better markets.
Insider whistleblowers accuse UK industry of relentless drive towards cheap and processed meat
@insidetrackuk.bsky.social
www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/insider...
@insidetrackuk.bsky.social
www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/insider...
Insider whistleblowers accuse industry of relentless drive towards cheap and processed meat
The report claims public heath and the UK's food security have been 'deprioritised' as supermarkets go in pursuit of sales of 'cheaper and more highly processed' meat and dairy products
www.thegrocer.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 10:37 AM
The frustrating thing is
a. We've known this for years but havent managed to reverse it and
b. The farm industry reps defend it, as their members get ever lower prices and poor deals, even those trying to do right thing for welfare, health, nature.. They need better reps and new better markets.
a. We've known this for years but havent managed to reverse it and
b. The farm industry reps defend it, as their members get ever lower prices and poor deals, even those trying to do right thing for welfare, health, nature.. They need better reps and new better markets.
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Do you research food, food systems or a topic related to food?
TABLE & @foodpolicycitysg.bsky.social in partnership with @wellcometrust.bsky.social, have launched a new survey to learn what you want from food research, what you need from funders, & key topics.
Take the survey here: buff.ly/ROPrwTY
TABLE & @foodpolicycitysg.bsky.social in partnership with @wellcometrust.bsky.social, have launched a new survey to learn what you want from food research, what you need from funders, & key topics.
Take the survey here: buff.ly/ROPrwTY
November 5, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Do you research food, food systems or a topic related to food?
TABLE & @foodpolicycitysg.bsky.social in partnership with @wellcometrust.bsky.social, have launched a new survey to learn what you want from food research, what you need from funders, & key topics.
Take the survey here: buff.ly/ROPrwTY
TABLE & @foodpolicycitysg.bsky.social in partnership with @wellcometrust.bsky.social, have launched a new survey to learn what you want from food research, what you need from funders, & key topics.
Take the survey here: buff.ly/ROPrwTY
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
Please join the Planning & Infrastructure Bill campaign.
Sounds boring but it has to be one of the most envoronmentally damaging planning bills of all time
@sussexwildlife.bsky.social
@cpresussex.bsky.social
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/an-urge...
Sounds boring but it has to be one of the most envoronmentally damaging planning bills of all time
@sussexwildlife.bsky.social
@cpresussex.bsky.social
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/an-urge...
An urgent update on planning reforms - please act today | Sussex Wildlife Trust
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk
November 4, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Please join the Planning & Infrastructure Bill campaign.
Sounds boring but it has to be one of the most envoronmentally damaging planning bills of all time
@sussexwildlife.bsky.social
@cpresussex.bsky.social
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/an-urge...
Sounds boring but it has to be one of the most envoronmentally damaging planning bills of all time
@sussexwildlife.bsky.social
@cpresussex.bsky.social
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/an-urge...
Feeding sugar water to a hungry bumblebee.. She was moving so slowly☺️
November 4, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Feeding sugar water to a hungry bumblebee.. She was moving so slowly☺️
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
📢 40+ NGOs have written to the PM urging him to uphold the Aarhus Convention – the cornerstone of environmental justice
The Convention protects your right to:
✅ Access environmental information
✅ Have a say in decisions that affect nature
✅ Seek environmental justice affordably
The Convention protects your right to:
✅ Access environmental information
✅ Have a say in decisions that affect nature
✅ Seek environmental justice affordably
November 4, 2025 at 10:17 AM
📢 40+ NGOs have written to the PM urging him to uphold the Aarhus Convention – the cornerstone of environmental justice
The Convention protects your right to:
✅ Access environmental information
✅ Have a say in decisions that affect nature
✅ Seek environmental justice affordably
The Convention protects your right to:
✅ Access environmental information
✅ Have a say in decisions that affect nature
✅ Seek environmental justice affordably
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
In a new report released today by @insidetrackuk.bsky.social, UK food industry insiders expose how companies’ and supermarkets’ commercial strategies on #MeatAndDairy are at odds with their public commitments on health, sustainability and animal welfare.
www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/insider...
www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/insider...
Insider whistleblowers accuse industry of relentless drive towards cheap and processed meat
The report claims public heath and the UK's food security have been 'deprioritised' as supermarkets go in pursuit of sales of 'cheaper and more highly processed' meat and dairy products
www.thegrocer.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 6:48 AM
In a new report released today by @insidetrackuk.bsky.social, UK food industry insiders expose how companies’ and supermarkets’ commercial strategies on #MeatAndDairy are at odds with their public commitments on health, sustainability and animal welfare.
www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/insider...
www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/insider...
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
'Identifying the safe operating space for food systems'
Highly relevant new paper by Sofie te Wierik et al. in Nature Food www.nature.com/articles/s43...
The paper shows: i) food systems are the single-largest pressure across Earth system processes, ii) all food system boundaries are transgressed
Highly relevant new paper by Sofie te Wierik et al. in Nature Food www.nature.com/articles/s43...
The paper shows: i) food systems are the single-largest pressure across Earth system processes, ii) all food system boundaries are transgressed
November 2, 2025 at 9:20 AM
'Identifying the safe operating space for food systems'
Highly relevant new paper by Sofie te Wierik et al. in Nature Food www.nature.com/articles/s43...
The paper shows: i) food systems are the single-largest pressure across Earth system processes, ii) all food system boundaries are transgressed
Highly relevant new paper by Sofie te Wierik et al. in Nature Food www.nature.com/articles/s43...
The paper shows: i) food systems are the single-largest pressure across Earth system processes, ii) all food system boundaries are transgressed
Reposted by Vicki Hird MSc FRES
What a mess we are making on this #PoisonedPlanet.
You cannot throw anything "away". There is no such place
apnews.com/article/ewas...
You cannot throw anything "away". There is no such place
apnews.com/article/ewas...
American e-waste is causing a 'hidden tsunami' in Southeast Asia, report says
A report by an environmental group says millions of tons of discarded U.S. electronics are being shipped overseas each month.
apnews.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:15 PM
What a mess we are making on this #PoisonedPlanet.
You cannot throw anything "away". There is no such place
apnews.com/article/ewas...
You cannot throw anything "away". There is no such place
apnews.com/article/ewas...
Please use this urgent action to write to your MP about a key amendment - they should vote for - to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill to ensure vital nature and ecosystem protections are in it.
Do share this. Thanks
@the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social
action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/180301/...
Do share this. Thanks
@the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social
action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/180301/...
Email your MP. Amendment 130 would make sure the new planning systems works for, not against nature.demand they keep amendment 130 in the Bill
It's now or never. This is the last chance to protect nature in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Email your MP to keep amendment 130 in the Bill.
action.wildlifetrusts.org
October 30, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Please use this urgent action to write to your MP about a key amendment - they should vote for - to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill to ensure vital nature and ecosystem protections are in it.
Do share this. Thanks
@the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social
action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/180301/...
Do share this. Thanks
@the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social
action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/180301/...