Joey Pickard
@bootlegbryos.bsky.social
Your friendly neighbourhood peat and moss person
I mostly work on habitat restoration and upland research in south Wales for @havenecology.bsky.social , @adfernatur.bsky.social Swansea Uni & Lost Peatlands, views my own etc
I mostly work on habitat restoration and upland research in south Wales for @havenecology.bsky.social , @adfernatur.bsky.social Swansea Uni & Lost Peatlands, views my own etc
Reposted by Joey Pickard
WALES
It occurred to me overnight that (more by luck than design) I've been building quite a nice set of work that's an overview of contemporary Wales. It touches on the landscape, the arts, politics and more, and has been totally organic and unplanned. Maybe I should make a plan!
It occurred to me overnight that (more by luck than design) I've been building quite a nice set of work that's an overview of contemporary Wales. It touches on the landscape, the arts, politics and more, and has been totally organic and unplanned. Maybe I should make a plan!
January 31, 2026 at 2:19 PM
WALES
It occurred to me overnight that (more by luck than design) I've been building quite a nice set of work that's an overview of contemporary Wales. It touches on the landscape, the arts, politics and more, and has been totally organic and unplanned. Maybe I should make a plan!
It occurred to me overnight that (more by luck than design) I've been building quite a nice set of work that's an overview of contemporary Wales. It touches on the landscape, the arts, politics and more, and has been totally organic and unplanned. Maybe I should make a plan!
Reposted by Joey Pickard
Lunchtime after a morning of excellent talks at Gwent Glamorgan Recorders' Forum
January 31, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Lunchtime after a morning of excellent talks at Gwent Glamorgan Recorders' Forum
Unofficially repping @adfernatur.bsky.social at the @sewbrec.org.uk recorders forum today. Some great talks so far, including one all about plants so I’m happy! Looking forward to the coal spoil talks in the afternoon
January 31, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Unofficially repping @adfernatur.bsky.social at the @sewbrec.org.uk recorders forum today. Some great talks so far, including one all about plants so I’m happy! Looking forward to the coal spoil talks in the afternoon
Trawling through old photos and found this of Scytodes thoracica, the spitting spider, from my old flat in Brynmill. In 2020 this was the western-most record in Wales on inaturalist, but someone found one two roads over last year. I’m further west now, I need to find another to get my pride back!
January 28, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Trawling through old photos and found this of Scytodes thoracica, the spitting spider, from my old flat in Brynmill. In 2020 this was the western-most record in Wales on inaturalist, but someone found one two roads over last year. I’m further west now, I need to find another to get my pride back!
Reposted by Joey Pickard
If Bilbo had Chat GPT
January 27, 2026 at 4:24 PM
If Bilbo had Chat GPT
Reposted by Joey Pickard
Liz Truss waiting patiently by her phone for Reform to ring, not realising it's actually a penguin biscuit
January 26, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Liz Truss waiting patiently by her phone for Reform to ring, not realising it's actually a penguin biscuit
Based on the people I know personally, I assume the 30% brain shrinkage is caused by listening to Joe Rogan
www.sciencealert.com/shrews-can-s...
www.sciencealert.com/shrews-can-s...
Shrews Can Shrink Their Brains by 30%. Here's How They Grow It Back.
In preparation for winter, the common shrew (Sorex araneus) shrinks its brain by 30 percent to conserve precious energy.
www.sciencealert.com
January 25, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Based on the people I know personally, I assume the 30% brain shrinkage is caused by listening to Joe Rogan
www.sciencealert.com/shrews-can-s...
www.sciencealert.com/shrews-can-s...
Reposted by Joey Pickard
A peatland practitioner will understand the thrill NPAP colleagues get when out reviewing forthcoming restoration sites.
Guaduneth, Jen, Jake, Becca you’re an inspiration to us all – not forgetting Rob who captured the up-peat team!
@natreswales.bsky.social @iucn-uk-peat.bsky.social
#Tywi
Guaduneth, Jen, Jake, Becca you’re an inspiration to us all – not forgetting Rob who captured the up-peat team!
@natreswales.bsky.social @iucn-uk-peat.bsky.social
#Tywi
January 23, 2026 at 5:02 PM
A peatland practitioner will understand the thrill NPAP colleagues get when out reviewing forthcoming restoration sites.
Guaduneth, Jen, Jake, Becca you’re an inspiration to us all – not forgetting Rob who captured the up-peat team!
@natreswales.bsky.social @iucn-uk-peat.bsky.social
#Tywi
Guaduneth, Jen, Jake, Becca you’re an inspiration to us all – not forgetting Rob who captured the up-peat team!
@natreswales.bsky.social @iucn-uk-peat.bsky.social
#Tywi
I had a wonderful time looking for chough as part of the @gowerchough.bsky.social project last summer - have a read of Mike’s piece to find out more about the work!
(and then please help us find some more funding to do it again this year, thanks)
(and then please help us find some more funding to do it again this year, thanks)
Wrote a few words on our @gowerchough.bsky.social survey this summer - mikeshewring.substack.com/p/gower-gold
Gower Gold
Red-billed Choughs on Gower's Cliffs
mikeshewring.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:27 PM
I had a wonderful time looking for chough as part of the @gowerchough.bsky.social project last summer - have a read of Mike’s piece to find out more about the work!
(and then please help us find some more funding to do it again this year, thanks)
(and then please help us find some more funding to do it again this year, thanks)
Reposted by Joey Pickard
Interrupting your doom-scroll with some moss! Specifically, side-by-side mosses both in the genus Grimmia.
📷 vhamon on iNaturalist
📍 France
🔗: www.inaturalist.org/observations...
#ObservationOfTheDay
📷 vhamon on iNaturalist
📍 France
🔗: www.inaturalist.org/observations...
#ObservationOfTheDay
January 22, 2026 at 10:19 PM
Interrupting your doom-scroll with some moss! Specifically, side-by-side mosses both in the genus Grimmia.
📷 vhamon on iNaturalist
📍 France
🔗: www.inaturalist.org/observations...
#ObservationOfTheDay
📷 vhamon on iNaturalist
📍 France
🔗: www.inaturalist.org/observations...
#ObservationOfTheDay
Reposted by Joey Pickard
There's a current lack of good documentaries & series in Cymru/Wales which celebrate & investigate Welsh prehistory & early history - to match the excellent English- or dual-language wildlife, landscape and modern history documentaries.
More work needed I think...🤔
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
More work needed I think...🤔
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We can portray Wales better on screen, says BBC boss Tim Davie
Tim Davie says BBC can do more to improve representation of Wales in English-language programmes.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 6:27 PM
There's a current lack of good documentaries & series in Cymru/Wales which celebrate & investigate Welsh prehistory & early history - to match the excellent English- or dual-language wildlife, landscape and modern history documentaries.
More work needed I think...🤔
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
More work needed I think...🤔
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
There’s a fantastic photo of a cap woven from Polytrichum commune in Melanie Giles’ Bog Bodies book. I find it really fun that this moss was used to weave a cap that looks like hair, and its common name is haircap moss, but that’s not the reason why it’s just a coincidence!
January 22, 2026 at 8:50 PM
There’s a fantastic photo of a cap woven from Polytrichum commune in Melanie Giles’ Bog Bodies book. I find it really fun that this moss was used to weave a cap that looks like hair, and its common name is haircap moss, but that’s not the reason why it’s just a coincidence!
Reposted by Joey Pickard
We're hiring!
Could you become our new Wales Officer, lead our Priority Plants Project & support #BSBICountyRecorders across Wales?
Apply here: bsbi.org/about/people...
Deadline: 23 February
Interested but not for you?
Please help us spread the word!
Could you become our new Wales Officer, lead our Priority Plants Project & support #BSBICountyRecorders across Wales?
Apply here: bsbi.org/about/people...
Deadline: 23 February
Interested but not for you?
Please help us spread the word!
January 21, 2026 at 6:22 PM
We're hiring!
Could you become our new Wales Officer, lead our Priority Plants Project & support #BSBICountyRecorders across Wales?
Apply here: bsbi.org/about/people...
Deadline: 23 February
Interested but not for you?
Please help us spread the word!
Could you become our new Wales Officer, lead our Priority Plants Project & support #BSBICountyRecorders across Wales?
Apply here: bsbi.org/about/people...
Deadline: 23 February
Interested but not for you?
Please help us spread the word!
Reposted by Joey Pickard
Fantastic to hear the biodiversity of coal tips being discussed in the Senedd today, with @gloinatur.bsky.social (which I set up only a few months ago) given a special mention 😌
Proud moment for Glo i Natur CIC today 🌿
Our work at Cwm Tips, Beddau was mentioned in the Senedd by Heledd Fychan MS, highlighting coal tips as havens for biodiversity.
Great to see nature and safety discussed together - and even the Beddau Beast got a mention!
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CwmTips
Our work at Cwm Tips, Beddau was mentioned in the Senedd by Heledd Fychan MS, highlighting coal tips as havens for biodiversity.
Great to see nature and safety discussed together - and even the Beddau Beast got a mention!
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CwmTips
January 20, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Fantastic to hear the biodiversity of coal tips being discussed in the Senedd today, with @gloinatur.bsky.social (which I set up only a few months ago) given a special mention 😌
Reposted by Joey Pickard
Proud moment for Glo i Natur CIC today 🌿
Our work at Cwm Tips, Beddau was mentioned in the Senedd by Heledd Fychan MS, highlighting coal tips as havens for biodiversity.
Great to see nature and safety discussed together - and even the Beddau Beast got a mention!
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CwmTips
Our work at Cwm Tips, Beddau was mentioned in the Senedd by Heledd Fychan MS, highlighting coal tips as havens for biodiversity.
Great to see nature and safety discussed together - and even the Beddau Beast got a mention!
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CwmTips
January 20, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Proud moment for Glo i Natur CIC today 🌿
Our work at Cwm Tips, Beddau was mentioned in the Senedd by Heledd Fychan MS, highlighting coal tips as havens for biodiversity.
Great to see nature and safety discussed together - and even the Beddau Beast got a mention!
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CwmTips
Our work at Cwm Tips, Beddau was mentioned in the Senedd by Heledd Fychan MS, highlighting coal tips as havens for biodiversity.
Great to see nature and safety discussed together - and even the Beddau Beast got a mention!
#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CwmTips
Reposted by Joey Pickard
A treat at Cors Geuallt!
The expertise of Eryri NP’s John Roberts (archaeology) & Rachel Harvey (peatlands) with the creative research and interpretation of artists Manon Awst & Dylan Huw – watch out for their Wales in Venice Biennale 2026 events!
@ArtsWales
#peatland @iucn-uk-peat.bsky.social
The expertise of Eryri NP’s John Roberts (archaeology) & Rachel Harvey (peatlands) with the creative research and interpretation of artists Manon Awst & Dylan Huw – watch out for their Wales in Venice Biennale 2026 events!
@ArtsWales
#peatland @iucn-uk-peat.bsky.social
January 20, 2026 at 5:27 PM
A treat at Cors Geuallt!
The expertise of Eryri NP’s John Roberts (archaeology) & Rachel Harvey (peatlands) with the creative research and interpretation of artists Manon Awst & Dylan Huw – watch out for their Wales in Venice Biennale 2026 events!
@ArtsWales
#peatland @iucn-uk-peat.bsky.social
The expertise of Eryri NP’s John Roberts (archaeology) & Rachel Harvey (peatlands) with the creative research and interpretation of artists Manon Awst & Dylan Huw – watch out for their Wales in Venice Biennale 2026 events!
@ArtsWales
#peatland @iucn-uk-peat.bsky.social
Nice bit of Frullania dilatata that I spotted on a willow in a farm yard waiting for people during peat surveys. Left my hand lens at home and missed the Metzgeria furcata until I looked at the photos. At least I know where it is so I can go back to get some for microscope photos. Love liverworts!
January 20, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Nice bit of Frullania dilatata that I spotted on a willow in a farm yard waiting for people during peat surveys. Left my hand lens at home and missed the Metzgeria furcata until I looked at the photos. At least I know where it is so I can go back to get some for microscope photos. Love liverworts!
Two Lost Peatlands site visits in two days, this one with worse weather. Nice to see the timber dams holding well and talk to colleagues who may be contract managing about approaches for ECoW and work specs for upcoming restoration sites for next winter. Downside, Indy left his ball on site.
January 20, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Two Lost Peatlands site visits in two days, this one with worse weather. Nice to see the timber dams holding well and talk to colleagues who may be contract managing about approaches for ECoW and work specs for upcoming restoration sites for next winter. Downside, Indy left his ball on site.
Interesting site visit yesterday as part of Lost Peatlands to try and figure out how we work on part of this site that has unexploded bomb risks, livestock, limited peat, and the drains I want to block are part of a scheduled ancient monument. Luckily we had a good outcome and discussion with Cadw
January 20, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Interesting site visit yesterday as part of Lost Peatlands to try and figure out how we work on part of this site that has unexploded bomb risks, livestock, limited peat, and the drains I want to block are part of a scheduled ancient monument. Luckily we had a good outcome and discussion with Cadw
Reposted by Joey Pickard
💚 Huge thanks to everyone who’s donated to our Save the Small Blue at Cwm Tips campaign!
In just 24 hours, you’ve helped us raise an amazing £388 towards restoring these special grasslands for wildlife.
Every donation truly means so much 🦋🌼
👉 Donate here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
In just 24 hours, you’ve helped us raise an amazing £388 towards restoring these special grasslands for wildlife.
Every donation truly means so much 🦋🌼
👉 Donate here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
January 17, 2026 at 7:52 PM
💚 Huge thanks to everyone who’s donated to our Save the Small Blue at Cwm Tips campaign!
In just 24 hours, you’ve helped us raise an amazing £388 towards restoring these special grasslands for wildlife.
Every donation truly means so much 🦋🌼
👉 Donate here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
In just 24 hours, you’ve helped us raise an amazing £388 towards restoring these special grasslands for wildlife.
Every donation truly means so much 🦋🌼
👉 Donate here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
Reposted by Joey Pickard
🦋 Save the Small Blue at Cwm Tips 💙
We’ve launched a crowdfunder to restore flower-rich grasslands at one of the South Wales Valleys’ most important wildlife sites.
Help us remove invasive scrub and safeguard rare butterflies, bees and grassland wildlife.
👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
We’ve launched a crowdfunder to restore flower-rich grasslands at one of the South Wales Valleys’ most important wildlife sites.
Help us remove invasive scrub and safeguard rare butterflies, bees and grassland wildlife.
👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
January 16, 2026 at 8:18 PM
🦋 Save the Small Blue at Cwm Tips 💙
We’ve launched a crowdfunder to restore flower-rich grasslands at one of the South Wales Valleys’ most important wildlife sites.
Help us remove invasive scrub and safeguard rare butterflies, bees and grassland wildlife.
👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
We’ve launched a crowdfunder to restore flower-rich grasslands at one of the South Wales Valleys’ most important wildlife sites.
Help us remove invasive scrub and safeguard rare butterflies, bees and grassland wildlife.
👉 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-s...
Reposted by Joey Pickard
If you wander over the hills, you may be able to imagine what they were like in times past 🤔 Manx history is written in the land, and gathering #peat for fuel had a big influence on what we see there today. For more info see: www.linkedin.com/company/manx... or www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
January 16, 2026 at 8:03 AM
Really cool find and story from the Glo I Natur guys. Chuffed for Carys and Liam and can’t wait to see what they find next!
🐌🎉 One year ago this week, the Pyrenean Semi-slug (Semilimax pyrenaicus) was discovered new to Britain — found on Cwmaman Tip, near Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
January 15, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Really cool find and story from the Glo I Natur guys. Chuffed for Carys and Liam and can’t wait to see what they find next!
Reposted by Joey Pickard
🐌🎉 One year ago this week, the Pyrenean Semi-slug (Semilimax pyrenaicus) was discovered new to Britain — found on Cwmaman Tip, near Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
January 15, 2026 at 8:09 PM
🐌🎉 One year ago this week, the Pyrenean Semi-slug (Semilimax pyrenaicus) was discovered new to Britain — found on Cwmaman Tip, near Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
A small species, but a big moment for British wildlife.
(1/7)
Doing some reading on bog bodies (I recommend Melanie Giles’ book by the way) to get me through the flu which has struck me down. Some great author names in the references.
I think Peter Vilhelm Glob may go on my list of all time great scientist names, alongside palaeontologist Lowell Dingus.
I think Peter Vilhelm Glob may go on my list of all time great scientist names, alongside palaeontologist Lowell Dingus.
January 15, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Doing some reading on bog bodies (I recommend Melanie Giles’ book by the way) to get me through the flu which has struck me down. Some great author names in the references.
I think Peter Vilhelm Glob may go on my list of all time great scientist names, alongside palaeontologist Lowell Dingus.
I think Peter Vilhelm Glob may go on my list of all time great scientist names, alongside palaeontologist Lowell Dingus.