Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 3d

I think that journey began quite a long time before Brexit.

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 7d

Completely agree. It is possible to do development with the environment in mind. However many developers don't want to. It is their refusal to properly consider it that causes delays. Not the environment itself. It makes me sad that so little respect is given to our beleaguered environment.

1 1

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 7d

Another amazing insect from Corfu. This glittering beetle is a Cerocoma species, maybe schreberi. I found it in the sand dunes at Korission Lagoon. It had wacky looking antennae, orange and twisted looking!

5

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 7d

This is an excellent point. Well phrased. Compromise upon compromise. Resulting in a shifting baseline of environmental protection erosion. Sometimes we have to fight for what the rules say. If we don't we risk losing them.

Philip Amies @amiesphilip.bsky.social · 8d

farmework. This is a planning system working, ultimately a compromise never satisfies and reflects no ideal scenario. The danger is we pile compromise upon compromise and over time rationalise away the actual meaning behind our statutory environmental plans. Chip by chip slowly we transform

1 1 4

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 10d

Sorry what is your point?

1 1

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 10d

The habitat destruction and wildlife losses that took place.

1 4

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 10d

We've lost most of our orchards and no longer eat the majority of our British apple varieties. It was therefore wonderful to visit @nationaltrust.org.uk Cotehele to see their amazing orchards. Rightly celebrating the incredible diversity of British apple varieties. We need to value them more.

3

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 10d

One of the greatest environmental catastrophes to occur in this country.

1 4

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 13d

It is fantastic that this species has spread so far across England now. Great that it has reached Grafton!

2

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 13d

Me too! I've seen it before at group moth nights but never caught my own. One day!

1 1

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 13d

Many people are afraid of spiders. However it would be hard to be scared of this one. This is Aelurillus v-insignitus, which I found on the dune heaths in Dorset last year. A lovely little jumping spider, very charming! Thanks to @tylanberry.bsky.social for the ID! @dorsetwildlife.bsky.social

1 5 18

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 22d

Two more photos of the stunning Comma butterfly that I saw recently at @nationaltrust.org.uk Cotehele. It was so fresh! I loved the lichen green spots on the underside of the wing. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

1 8

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 23d

Surprisingly poor catch in my Somerset garden moth trap this morning. Only 14 species. Box tree moth was the most numerous with 5 caught. Expected more due to warm temperatures. #teammoth

1 22

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 24d

They are amazing. A pair bred in Somerset a few years ago which is the only other time I'd see them. But then they were far away. Got amazing views in Corfu.

1

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 24d

One of my favourite birds from Corfu was the Black-winged Stilt. Comically long red legs, looking gangly and un-elegant when in flight. Much more graceful when delicately wading through the water. Stunning birds to see up close.

1 4

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 25d

Fantastic camouflage on this Comma butterfly. Seen at @nationaltrust.org.uk Cotehele in its fabulous orchard at the weekend. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

2 2 18

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · 26d

Well said Alasdair. We definitely do need hope. It can be easy to lose it in these tough times. We all have to find ways to keep it, so we can keep fighting the good fight for nature.

2

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · Sep 8

Fantastic video. I wonder if that's ever been filmed before like that. Do you know the temperature they reach and the difference it is to the surroundings?

1 1

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · Sep 4

A good example here. On the Isle of Skye earlier this year.

1 1 16

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · Sep 2

This is insane. A conservation charity telling people to use plastic to create 'homes' for insects. Complete nonsense and environmentally damaging. And apparently supported by the Lottery! Crazy. I hate this type of 'bug hotel' stuff too. @froglife.bsky.social

3

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · Sep 1

One of the best things I did on the Isle of Skye was visit Claigan coral beach. Yes, a beach made of coral! I had never heard of such a thing. Every handful of 'sand' contained hundreds of unique pieces of maerl coral. It was wonderfully unique and intricate, very beautiful. A really special place.

2

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · Aug 30

I'm not familiar with that guide. The Lewington ones are the main ones. And the Manley one for photos. Better to use than a phone app. Then can consult websites too for further support.

1

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · Aug 30

Do you not have any moth books to use for identification?

2 1

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · Aug 26

I have that with Burnished Brass. I always feel the need to photograph every single one. Their beauty demands it!

1 3

Simon Phelps @simonphelps.bsky.social · Aug 25

Beauty and the beast. The contrast between the natural beauty of a Peacock butterfly and the harshness of man made barbed wire. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

8