Malcolm Hull
@malcolmhull.bsky.social
Passionate about butterflies, plants and all wildlife. I split my time between conservation, recording, rewilding, campaigning and engagement. Chair of the Herts &Middx branch of Butterfly Conservation. Retired Chartered Surveyor. All views are my own
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Starting the weekend as we mean to go on: with more positive nature news!
Butterflies are booming in Hertfordshire thanks to the efforts of @stalbanscouncil.bsky.social, @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social and several other organisations.
📷: Malcolm Hull
Butterflies are booming in Hertfordshire thanks to the efforts of @stalbanscouncil.bsky.social, @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social and several other organisations.
📷: Malcolm Hull
January 16, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Starting the weekend as we mean to go on: with more positive nature news!
Butterflies are booming in Hertfordshire thanks to the efforts of @stalbanscouncil.bsky.social, @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social and several other organisations.
📷: Malcolm Hull
Butterflies are booming in Hertfordshire thanks to the efforts of @stalbanscouncil.bsky.social, @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social and several other organisations.
📷: Malcolm Hull
My first butterfly of 2026, a hibernating Peacock, one of five in my shed in St Albans. Strangely a white spit has appeared on the underside. Possibly the result of predator attack? Grateful for any suggestions! @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
January 16, 2026 at 7:18 PM
My first butterfly of 2026, a hibernating Peacock, one of five in my shed in St Albans. Strangely a white spit has appeared on the underside. Possibly the result of predator attack? Grateful for any suggestions! @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
I’d be interested to know if you get a reply. I’ve been enjoying Trevor Dines book bsbi.org/blog/2025/06...
Urban Plants: Trevor Dines' new book about urban botany
bsbi.org
January 16, 2026 at 8:32 AM
I’d be interested to know if you get a reply. I’ve been enjoying Trevor Dines book bsbi.org/blog/2025/06...
Agreed, that is a good point. Do you have any specific evidence that the alternative weeding techniques cause harm? I’m aware that salting roads has led to significant changes to plant communities alongside major roads but not heard of issues with hot foam or vinegar
January 16, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Agreed, that is a good point. Do you have any specific evidence that the alternative weeding techniques cause harm? I’m aware that salting roads has led to significant changes to plant communities alongside major roads but not heard of issues with hot foam or vinegar
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
World profoundly out of balance.
"Insects are undergoing concerning declines across the world and as this trend continues, essential ecosystem services will increasingly be at risk."
#PlanetaryBoundaries #Biodiversity
phys.org/news/2026-01...
"Insects are undergoing concerning declines across the world and as this trend continues, essential ecosystem services will increasingly be at risk."
#PlanetaryBoundaries #Biodiversity
phys.org/news/2026-01...
Insects are victims, not just invaders, says study
Insects are often seen as invaders due to high-profile species like the yellow-legged (Asian) hornet, the harlequin ladybird and fire ant. But new research reveals insects are also major victims of in...
phys.org
January 15, 2026 at 12:05 PM
World profoundly out of balance.
"Insects are undergoing concerning declines across the world and as this trend continues, essential ecosystem services will increasingly be at risk."
#PlanetaryBoundaries #Biodiversity
phys.org/news/2026-01...
"Insects are undergoing concerning declines across the world and as this trend continues, essential ecosystem services will increasingly be at risk."
#PlanetaryBoundaries #Biodiversity
phys.org/news/2026-01...
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Butterflies and moths are sounding the alarm. Nature in the UK is in crisis. 🚨
Wildlife and natural places are under pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss - and yet a new report, the Nuclear Regulatory Review, suggests weakening the protections that help keep what remains safe.
Wildlife and natural places are under pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss - and yet a new report, the Nuclear Regulatory Review, suggests weakening the protections that help keep what remains safe.
January 15, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Butterflies and moths are sounding the alarm. Nature in the UK is in crisis. 🚨
Wildlife and natural places are under pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss - and yet a new report, the Nuclear Regulatory Review, suggests weakening the protections that help keep what remains safe.
Wildlife and natural places are under pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss - and yet a new report, the Nuclear Regulatory Review, suggests weakening the protections that help keep what remains safe.
Glyphosate also lethal to ground nesting bees, some aquatic and soil based organisms and possibly more
Time it’s use was drastically reduced @savebutterflies.bsky.social @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social
Time it’s use was drastically reduced @savebutterflies.bsky.social @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social
My Bill would ban pesticide use in public spaces.
This is more evidence of children being exposed to unnecessary and dangerous chemicals when playing in spaces that should be safe.
Alternative methods exist, and every council should be using them!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
This is more evidence of children being exposed to unnecessary and dangerous chemicals when playing in spaces that should be safe.
Alternative methods exist, and every council should be using them!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Traces of cancer-linked pesticide found in tests at UK playgrounds
Pressure mounting for use of glyphosate, listed by WHO since 2015 as probable carcinogen, to be heavily restricted
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Glyphosate also lethal to ground nesting bees, some aquatic and soil based organisms and possibly more
Time it’s use was drastically reduced @savebutterflies.bsky.social @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social
Time it’s use was drastically reduced @savebutterflies.bsky.social @bc-hertsmiddx.bsky.social
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
New study using @gardenmothscheme.bsky.social data shows that 125w & 80w bulbs attract more moths than any actinics, and that Robinson and Skinner traps retain more moths that Heath traps #teammoth doi.org/10.1111/icad...
Effect of bulb type on moth trap catch and composition in UK gardens
We analyse 10 years of records Garden Moth Scheme (GMS) to estimate the effect of bulb and trap type on the number of moths caught by moth traps. We find that brighter, higher wattage bulbs collect ...
doi.org
January 6, 2026 at 5:04 PM
New study using @gardenmothscheme.bsky.social data shows that 125w & 80w bulbs attract more moths than any actinics, and that Robinson and Skinner traps retain more moths that Heath traps #teammoth doi.org/10.1111/icad...
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
The National Trust is halfway to their appeal to buy Giant Hill, one of the UKs top butterfly sites, also rich in insects and flowers. The last good habitat for Duke of Burgundy in Dorset. Please donate if you can @nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/a...
Donate to the Cerne Abbas Nature Appeal
Donate to the Cerne Abbas Appeal so together, we can help restore the land, habitats and species that live there.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 2:21 PM
The National Trust is halfway to their appeal to buy Giant Hill, one of the UKs top butterfly sites, also rich in insects and flowers. The last good habitat for Duke of Burgundy in Dorset. Please donate if you can @nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/a...
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Nice to be starting 2026 with our new paper with @sei.org on making #CitizenScience biological recording more inclusive @savebutterflies.bsky.social doi.org/10.5334/cstp...
Increasing Inclusivity in Biological Recording in the United Kingdom: Progress to Date and Future Priorities | Citizen Science: Theory and Practice
doi.org
January 12, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Nice to be starting 2026 with our new paper with @sei.org on making #CitizenScience biological recording more inclusive @savebutterflies.bsky.social doi.org/10.5334/cstp...
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Nadim Zahawi arrived in the UK from Iraq as a child refugee. His family claimed asylum once they were here. Today he has joined Reform who will stop all in country asylum applications. Under his new party, his own family fleeing persecution would be immediately deported.
January 12, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Nadim Zahawi arrived in the UK from Iraq as a child refugee. His family claimed asylum once they were here. Today he has joined Reform who will stop all in country asylum applications. Under his new party, his own family fleeing persecution would be immediately deported.
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Finally a moth!! Winter Moth by the trap. A moth in 2025 I had to wait until November to record one with a similar period of blank nights after the new year #teammoth
January 12, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Finally a moth!! Winter Moth by the trap. A moth in 2025 I had to wait until November to record one with a similar period of blank nights after the new year #teammoth
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Winston Howes lost his wife. He planted thousands of oak trees in a six-acre field
Once it was completed he put a seat in the field, overlooking the hill near where she used to live. He didn't tell anyone
Photo: SWNS
Once it was completed he put a seat in the field, overlooking the hill near where she used to live. He didn't tell anyone
Photo: SWNS
January 12, 2026 at 9:48 AM
Winston Howes lost his wife. He planted thousands of oak trees in a six-acre field
Once it was completed he put a seat in the field, overlooking the hill near where she used to live. He didn't tell anyone
Photo: SWNS
Once it was completed he put a seat in the field, overlooking the hill near where she used to live. He didn't tell anyone
Photo: SWNS
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
The government sits and watches as Heba dies. It's heartbreaking, horrible, almost impossible to compute. Didn't people vote in the hope (however forlorn) of ending the Tories' psychopathic mode of government? Yet on it goes, under Keir Starmer. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Imprisoned hunger striker linked to Palestine Action tells friend: ‘I’m dying’
Francesca Nadin visited Heba Muraisi, 31, in a Wakefield prison at the weekend and says ‘her body is shutting down’
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:22 PM
The government sits and watches as Heba dies. It's heartbreaking, horrible, almost impossible to compute. Didn't people vote in the hope (however forlorn) of ending the Tories' psychopathic mode of government? Yet on it goes, under Keir Starmer. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Withdrawing from #IPBES, despite its mandate to provide credible science on the #biodiversity crisis, undermines global cooperation on urgent environmental challenges. US retreat from multilateral science-policy platforms abandons shared solutions at a moment when collective action is needed most. 🧪
“We cannot withdraw from the fact that over 1 million species of plants and animals face extinction.” 🧪
IPBES remains committed to its mandate to provide the most credible science and evidence about biodiversity to all decision makers and actors. 🌍
IPBES remains committed to its mandate to provide the most credible science and evidence about biodiversity to all decision makers and actors. 🌍
January 9, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Withdrawing from #IPBES, despite its mandate to provide credible science on the #biodiversity crisis, undermines global cooperation on urgent environmental challenges. US retreat from multilateral science-policy platforms abandons shared solutions at a moment when collective action is needed most. 🧪
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
The Hermit (Chazara briseis) (Linnaeus 1764) Turkey
White bands on the upper side create a distinctive V shape, they are experts of blending in
Found in N Africa, S Europe, Asia Minor, Caucasus, C Asia,Afghanistan & China
Found on steppe & in other dry grassy places
#Turkey #HermitButterfly
White bands on the upper side create a distinctive V shape, they are experts of blending in
Found in N Africa, S Europe, Asia Minor, Caucasus, C Asia,Afghanistan & China
Found on steppe & in other dry grassy places
#Turkey #HermitButterfly
January 10, 2026 at 4:07 PM
The Hermit (Chazara briseis) (Linnaeus 1764) Turkey
White bands on the upper side create a distinctive V shape, they are experts of blending in
Found in N Africa, S Europe, Asia Minor, Caucasus, C Asia,Afghanistan & China
Found on steppe & in other dry grassy places
#Turkey #HermitButterfly
White bands on the upper side create a distinctive V shape, they are experts of blending in
Found in N Africa, S Europe, Asia Minor, Caucasus, C Asia,Afghanistan & China
Found on steppe & in other dry grassy places
#Turkey #HermitButterfly
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Killings of environmental defenders rose from 4 in 2023 to at least 20 in 2024 in Guatemala, according to Global Witness.
Despite a new government under Bernardo Arévalo, land grabbing, criminalization and violence against Indigenous and campesino defenders are escalating.
Despite a new government under Bernardo Arévalo, land grabbing, criminalization and violence against Indigenous and campesino defenders are escalating.
Guatemala’s eco defenders reel from surge in killings and persecution
Environmental and territorial defenders in Guatemala face a critical moment as violence targeting them increases across the country. In 2024, at least 20 such defenders were killed for their work, up…
news.mongabay.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Killings of environmental defenders rose from 4 in 2023 to at least 20 in 2024 in Guatemala, according to Global Witness.
Despite a new government under Bernardo Arévalo, land grabbing, criminalization and violence against Indigenous and campesino defenders are escalating.
Despite a new government under Bernardo Arévalo, land grabbing, criminalization and violence against Indigenous and campesino defenders are escalating.
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
We are now looking for an inspirational leader to guide our organisation as we expand across the Greek Ionian islands.
A role description and briefing pack is available at:
tinyurl.com/IBCJobPack
A role description and briefing pack is available at:
tinyurl.com/IBCJobPack
December 18, 2025 at 7:00 AM
We are now looking for an inspirational leader to guide our organisation as we expand across the Greek Ionian islands.
A role description and briefing pack is available at:
tinyurl.com/IBCJobPack
A role description and briefing pack is available at:
tinyurl.com/IBCJobPack
I’d agree, Large Blue - presumably a release?
December 23, 2025 at 9:01 PM
I’d agree, Large Blue - presumably a release?
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Day 23 of our #AdventCalendar is a nod to that childhood moment you opened a present, and it wasn't quite what you expected. Green Hairstreak is a regular sight on our tours - but those green wings aren't what they seem, their colour not caused by true pigment, but achieved by light refraction.
December 23, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Day 23 of our #AdventCalendar is a nod to that childhood moment you opened a present, and it wasn't quite what you expected. Green Hairstreak is a regular sight on our tours - but those green wings aren't what they seem, their colour not caused by true pigment, but achieved by light refraction.
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
Day 23 - the final day of our Advent Shop Calendar.
What to buy last minute! It’s nearly Christmas - but luckily our museum shops are full of brilliant last‑minute finds. Choose from ornaments, socks, chutneys, sweet treats, and more.
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery Shop & Verulamium Museum Shop
What to buy last minute! It’s nearly Christmas - but luckily our museum shops are full of brilliant last‑minute finds. Choose from ornaments, socks, chutneys, sweet treats, and more.
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery Shop & Verulamium Museum Shop
December 23, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Day 23 - the final day of our Advent Shop Calendar.
What to buy last minute! It’s nearly Christmas - but luckily our museum shops are full of brilliant last‑minute finds. Choose from ornaments, socks, chutneys, sweet treats, and more.
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery Shop & Verulamium Museum Shop
What to buy last minute! It’s nearly Christmas - but luckily our museum shops are full of brilliant last‑minute finds. Choose from ornaments, socks, chutneys, sweet treats, and more.
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery Shop & Verulamium Museum Shop
Reposted by Malcolm Hull
The butterfly population at our summer meadows has increased by 350% in just three years thanks to a major wilding project.
Forty key grassland sites across the District were seeded with wildflowers and mowed only once to boost biodiversity.
More info: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news/butterf...
Forty key grassland sites across the District were seeded with wildflowers and mowed only once to boost biodiversity.
More info: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news/butterf...
December 16, 2025 at 3:23 PM
The butterfly population at our summer meadows has increased by 350% in just three years thanks to a major wilding project.
Forty key grassland sites across the District were seeded with wildflowers and mowed only once to boost biodiversity.
More info: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news/butterf...
Forty key grassland sites across the District were seeded with wildflowers and mowed only once to boost biodiversity.
More info: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news/butterf...
PKster - the report is now available on Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation website, link below. DM me if you’d like to talk about any aspect of the project hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/St%20Albans%...
hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 7:23 PM
PKster - the report is now available on Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation website, link below. DM me if you’d like to talk about any aspect of the project hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/St%20Albans%...