Dr Victoria J Burton
@soilscholar.bsky.social
Postdoc at Natural History Museum London - boosting nature in education. Fan of soil beasties! Amateur Entomologists' Society Trustee & Membership Administrator. She/her 🌈
Pinned
Who watches the worms? Motivation and (non-)participation in a contributory citizen science project - BMC Ecology and Evolution
BMC Ecology and Evolution - Citizen science projects rely on public participation to generate data and promote engagement with science. However, little is known about the motivations of individuals...
doi.org
My paper with @andypurvisnhm.bsky.social @dralanjones.bsky.social et al. on our Earthworm Watch 🪱 #citizenscience project @nhm-london.bsky.social & @earthwatcheurope.bsky.social is out! We examined motivations of those who did, and importantly, those who didn't, take part doi.org/10.1186/s128...
My paper with @andypurvisnhm.bsky.social @dralanjones.bsky.social et al. on our Earthworm Watch 🪱 #citizenscience project @nhm-london.bsky.social & @earthwatcheurope.bsky.social is out! We examined motivations of those who did, and importantly, those who didn't, take part doi.org/10.1186/s128...
Who watches the worms? Motivation and (non-)participation in a contributory citizen science project - BMC Ecology and Evolution
BMC Ecology and Evolution - Citizen science projects rely on public participation to generate data and promote engagement with science. However, little is known about the motivations of individuals...
doi.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:33 PM
My paper with @andypurvisnhm.bsky.social @dralanjones.bsky.social et al. on our Earthworm Watch 🪱 #citizenscience project @nhm-london.bsky.social & @earthwatcheurope.bsky.social is out! We examined motivations of those who did, and importantly, those who didn't, take part doi.org/10.1186/s128...
🌿 Working in ecology, biodiversity or wildlife conservation?
Join our webinar exploring the open‑access Nature Park Map and how schools across England are taking action for nature recovery 📅 11 Feb, 16:00–16:45 🔗 www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/webinar-expl...
Join our webinar exploring the open‑access Nature Park Map and how schools across England are taking action for nature recovery 📅 11 Feb, 16:00–16:45 🔗 www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/webinar-expl...
February 2, 2026 at 11:28 AM
🌿 Working in ecology, biodiversity or wildlife conservation?
Join our webinar exploring the open‑access Nature Park Map and how schools across England are taking action for nature recovery 📅 11 Feb, 16:00–16:45 🔗 www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/webinar-expl...
Join our webinar exploring the open‑access Nature Park Map and how schools across England are taking action for nature recovery 📅 11 Feb, 16:00–16:45 🔗 www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/webinar-expl...
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
We're incredibly PROUD to be offering 80+ online and in-person courses (most completely FREE to attend!).
Led by passionate specialists who want to share their knowledge, book as many as you want!
This is a huge opportunity for nature enthusiasts🌿
Join us NOW!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-biolog...
Led by passionate specialists who want to share their knowledge, book as many as you want!
This is a huge opportunity for nature enthusiasts🌿
Join us NOW!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-biolog...
January 28, 2026 at 12:10 PM
We're incredibly PROUD to be offering 80+ online and in-person courses (most completely FREE to attend!).
Led by passionate specialists who want to share their knowledge, book as many as you want!
This is a huge opportunity for nature enthusiasts🌿
Join us NOW!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-biolog...
Led by passionate specialists who want to share their knowledge, book as many as you want!
This is a huge opportunity for nature enthusiasts🌿
Join us NOW!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-biolog...
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
We're excited to be supporting the Early Career Researcher Symposium from @sochistnathist.bsky.social.
Taking place on 19 February, the programme showcases research into the study of natural history through time, done by early career researchers across the globe.
Book:
Taking place on 19 February, the programme showcases research into the study of natural history through time, done by early career researchers across the globe.
Book:
SHNH Early Career Researcher Symposium 2026 - Society for the History of Natural History
For this symposium we have welcomed papers from across the field which speak to any aspects of the history of natural history. The speakers have been drawn from individuals registered for PhD…
buff.ly
January 28, 2026 at 12:11 PM
We're excited to be supporting the Early Career Researcher Symposium from @sochistnathist.bsky.social.
Taking place on 19 February, the programme showcases research into the study of natural history through time, done by early career researchers across the globe.
Book:
Taking place on 19 February, the programme showcases research into the study of natural history through time, done by early career researchers across the globe.
Book:
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
Today (Jan 21st) is the day... TWO DECADES of Tetrapod Zoology. We start with a review of what went down in 2025... it was quite a busy year. Huge thanks to everyone who visits, reads and leaves comments at Tet Zoo, and especially those who assist with efforts. tetzoo.com/blog/2026/1/...
January 21, 2026 at 1:38 AM
Today (Jan 21st) is the day... TWO DECADES of Tetrapod Zoology. We start with a review of what went down in 2025... it was quite a busy year. Huge thanks to everyone who visits, reads and leaves comments at Tet Zoo, and especially those who assist with efforts. tetzoo.com/blog/2026/1/...
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
Are you planning to undertake a project in 2026 which involves collecting plant-related data?
Would you like <£1,000 towards your costs?
Apply for a #BSBIPlantStudyGrant!
Here's how:
bsbi.org/learn/grants...
Read how a #BSBIGrant helped Katherine research ancient meadows:
bsbi.org/blog/2026/01...
Would you like <£1,000 towards your costs?
Apply for a #BSBIPlantStudyGrant!
Here's how:
bsbi.org/learn/grants...
Read how a #BSBIGrant helped Katherine research ancient meadows:
bsbi.org/blog/2026/01...
January 19, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Are you planning to undertake a project in 2026 which involves collecting plant-related data?
Would you like <£1,000 towards your costs?
Apply for a #BSBIPlantStudyGrant!
Here's how:
bsbi.org/learn/grants...
Read how a #BSBIGrant helped Katherine research ancient meadows:
bsbi.org/blog/2026/01...
Would you like <£1,000 towards your costs?
Apply for a #BSBIPlantStudyGrant!
Here's how:
bsbi.org/learn/grants...
Read how a #BSBIGrant helped Katherine research ancient meadows:
bsbi.org/blog/2026/01...
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
Open for applications: Massee Arts Grant: up to £5000 to support novel arts projects focused on fungi. For artists from all disciplines & all geographic locations who can help us encourage engagement and learning about mycology. Find out more & apply here: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/massee-arts-...
January 16, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Open for applications: Massee Arts Grant: up to £5000 to support novel arts projects focused on fungi. For artists from all disciplines & all geographic locations who can help us encourage engagement and learning about mycology. Find out more & apply here: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/massee-arts-...
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
We are now accepting grant applications to fund ecological research and outreach worldwide.
⏰Apply before 10 March 2026!
Find out what grants you can apply to 👇
https://f.mtr.cool/cucxadvxjq
🧪🌍
⏰Apply before 10 March 2026!
Find out what grants you can apply to 👇
https://f.mtr.cool/cucxadvxjq
🧪🌍
January 14, 2026 at 12:03 PM
We are now accepting grant applications to fund ecological research and outreach worldwide.
⏰Apply before 10 March 2026!
Find out what grants you can apply to 👇
https://f.mtr.cool/cucxadvxjq
🧪🌍
⏰Apply before 10 March 2026!
Find out what grants you can apply to 👇
https://f.mtr.cool/cucxadvxjq
🧪🌍
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
Are you into macroecology and/or macroevolution? Want to make our field a better place?
Please consider joining the BES Macro SIG Committee! We're currently recruiting for a vice chair and ordinary member(s).
More info and how to apply (deadline Jan 20th!): mcusercontent.com/a9537304d9bd...
Please consider joining the BES Macro SIG Committee! We're currently recruiting for a vice chair and ordinary member(s).
More info and how to apply (deadline Jan 20th!): mcusercontent.com/a9537304d9bd...
January 12, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Are you into macroecology and/or macroevolution? Want to make our field a better place?
Please consider joining the BES Macro SIG Committee! We're currently recruiting for a vice chair and ordinary member(s).
More info and how to apply (deadline Jan 20th!): mcusercontent.com/a9537304d9bd...
Please consider joining the BES Macro SIG Committee! We're currently recruiting for a vice chair and ordinary member(s).
More info and how to apply (deadline Jan 20th!): mcusercontent.com/a9537304d9bd...
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
Interested in moth trapping?
Wondering which trap to use? Or if different bulbs collect different species?
Using 100k samples from @gardenmothscheme.bsky.social our new paper looks at these questions and more! With with Bill Kunin and @katatrepsis.bsky.social
#mothsmatter #teammoth
Wondering which trap to use? Or if different bulbs collect different species?
Using 100k samples from @gardenmothscheme.bsky.social our new paper looks at these questions and more! With with Bill Kunin and @katatrepsis.bsky.social
#mothsmatter #teammoth
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 ...
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Interested in moth trapping?
Wondering which trap to use? Or if different bulbs collect different species?
Using 100k samples from @gardenmothscheme.bsky.social our new paper looks at these questions and more! With with Bill Kunin and @katatrepsis.bsky.social
#mothsmatter #teammoth
Wondering which trap to use? Or if different bulbs collect different species?
Using 100k samples from @gardenmothscheme.bsky.social our new paper looks at these questions and more! With with Bill Kunin and @katatrepsis.bsky.social
#mothsmatter #teammoth
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
“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 8, 2026 at 8:07 PM
“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. 🌍
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
An accessible, easily understandable description of the Earth BioGenome Project @ebpgenome.bsky.social - a worldwide effort aiming to read the complete set of genetic instructions (genomes) for every known eukaryotic species on Earth kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.... #biodiversity #genomics
The Earth BioGenome Project: Building the Ultimate Library of Life
Earth is full of amazing life forms, from giant whales to tiny microbes. Scientists want to understand and protect this biodiversity—but first, they need to know what is out there. That is where the E...
kids.frontiersin.org
December 17, 2025 at 11:26 AM
An accessible, easily understandable description of the Earth BioGenome Project @ebpgenome.bsky.social - a worldwide effort aiming to read the complete set of genetic instructions (genomes) for every known eukaryotic species on Earth kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.... #biodiversity #genomics
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
📢 Call for Collaborators!
Interested in Isopods? Check out this call in Soil Organisms by Konstantin Gongalsky and colleagues @msteinwandter.bsky.social @soilscholar.bsky.social
soil-organisms.org/SO/article/v...
Interested in Isopods? Check out this call in Soil Organisms by Konstantin Gongalsky and colleagues @msteinwandter.bsky.social @soilscholar.bsky.social
soil-organisms.org/SO/article/v...
OniscidBase: A call for contributions to a global database to advance terrestrial isopod research
| Soil Organisms
soil-organisms.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:17 PM
📢 Call for Collaborators!
Interested in Isopods? Check out this call in Soil Organisms by Konstantin Gongalsky and colleagues @msteinwandter.bsky.social @soilscholar.bsky.social
soil-organisms.org/SO/article/v...
Interested in Isopods? Check out this call in Soil Organisms by Konstantin Gongalsky and colleagues @msteinwandter.bsky.social @soilscholar.bsky.social
soil-organisms.org/SO/article/v...
The MERL wins again (sorry to my employer @nhm-london.bsky.social)! And their Bluesky Hog is just the thing for a pig-loving 80th birthday New Year celebration which was stressing me out!
It's a beautiful day. We just dropped new merch for the first time in a year.
merl-shop.co.uk
(and, yes: we ship internationally!)
🧵
merl-shop.co.uk
(and, yes: we ship internationally!)
🧵
November 26, 2025 at 5:31 PM
The MERL wins again (sorry to my employer @nhm-london.bsky.social)! And their Bluesky Hog is just the thing for a pig-loving 80th birthday New Year celebration which was stressing me out!
Oh #DinoConUK 2026 is on my birthday!! I'm going to have to try and wrangle a holiday.
#DinoConUK 2026 is happening July 25th-26th in #Birmingham and is guaranteed to be massive. Rooms can be booked NOW, tickets and vendor spaces will be available SOON. Keep an eye on our website... www.dinocon.co.uk and follow @dinoconuk.bsky.social
DinoCon
www.dinocon.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Oh #DinoConUK 2026 is on my birthday!! I'm going to have to try and wrangle a holiday.
Interested in postgraduate study @nhm-london.bsky.social? There's a showcase coming up on 27 Nov 2pm to 5pm GMT. Find out about our programmes & meet current students. Sign up for free: www.eventbrite.com/e/nhm-postgraduate-showcase-tickets-1848134021609 I had an amazing MSc & PhD here - never left!
NHM Postgraduate Showcase
Come along to the NHM to learn more about postgraduate study at the museum!
www.eventbrite.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Interested in postgraduate study @nhm-london.bsky.social? There's a showcase coming up on 27 Nov 2pm to 5pm GMT. Find out about our programmes & meet current students. Sign up for free: www.eventbrite.com/e/nhm-postgraduate-showcase-tickets-1848134021609 I had an amazing MSc & PhD here - never left!
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
📣 Excited to advertise a new @treesdla.bsky.social CASE PhD project exploring the effects of forest diversity on soil fauna with ecoacoustics. Supervised by me, @evolecollab.bsky.social and Carlos Abrahams @soilacoustics.bsky.social. Apply by December 17th! 🌳🌲🐜🎧🎤 www.trees-dla.ac.uk/projects/nov...
October 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
📣 Excited to advertise a new @treesdla.bsky.social CASE PhD project exploring the effects of forest diversity on soil fauna with ecoacoustics. Supervised by me, @evolecollab.bsky.social and Carlos Abrahams @soilacoustics.bsky.social. Apply by December 17th! 🌳🌲🐜🎧🎤 www.trees-dla.ac.uk/projects/nov...
Webinar for MATs, local authorities & councils: Explore the National Education Nature Park Map, see how schools are improving biodiversity & learn how to support them 🌱 📅 3 Dec | 🕐 13:00–13:45. Sign up! #EducationNaturePark #Biodiversity www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/webinar-mats...
Webinar for MATs, local authorities and councils: Exploring the Nature Park Map | Education Nature Park
Aimed at multi-academy trusts, local authorities and councils, join us for a webinar to explore the National Education Nature Park Map where you can see the collective efforts being made by schools, c...
www.educationnaturepark.org.uk
November 4, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Webinar for MATs, local authorities & councils: Explore the National Education Nature Park Map, see how schools are improving biodiversity & learn how to support them 🌱 📅 3 Dec | 🕐 13:00–13:45. Sign up! #EducationNaturePark #Biodiversity www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/webinar-mats...
Sad to be missing out this year 😢 double booked with Conchological Society meeting I'm hosting. Hopefully I can catch up with recordings.
We have a great line up of speakers, exhibits and a visit to the Cambridge Diptera Collections can be arranged. Flies are so important so come and join us to find out what we can do to help you whether you are an old hand at diptera or new to this fantastic group of insects. See you there Lin!
November 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Sad to be missing out this year 😢 double booked with Conchological Society meeting I'm hosting. Hopefully I can catch up with recordings.
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
We are happy to introduce the Soil Ecology SIG @britishecologicalsociety.org! Our aim is to connect soil ecology researchers across career stages, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration. Check out www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/plan... and feel free to get in touch!
Soil Ecology Group - British Ecological Society
Understanding the vital ecosystem services provided by soil
www.britishecologicalsociety.org
October 30, 2025 at 8:57 AM
We are happy to introduce the Soil Ecology SIG @britishecologicalsociety.org! Our aim is to connect soil ecology researchers across career stages, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration. Check out www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/plan... and feel free to get in touch!
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
Another superb example of #biomimicry reinforcing the intrinsic significance of protecting all biodiversity including the newts, bats & invertebrates demonised as barriers to development by Rachel Reeves
As this study demonstrates one day they may literally save your life.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
As this study demonstrates one day they may literally save your life.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
Smart cutting system used by female sawflies could transform surgery and reduce patient harm
Scientists at Heriot-Watt University have unlocked the secret behind how female sawflies make specific cuts to plants—a discovery that could revolutionize surgical instruments and dramatically reduce ...
phys.org
October 29, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Another superb example of #biomimicry reinforcing the intrinsic significance of protecting all biodiversity including the newts, bats & invertebrates demonised as barriers to development by Rachel Reeves
As this study demonstrates one day they may literally save your life.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
As this study demonstrates one day they may literally save your life.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
[email protected] and 127 co-authors present a global call to strengthen national #SoilBiodiversity action, in an #OpenLetter to policymakers at 27th meeting of the @unbiodiversity.bsky.social SBSTTA taking place in Panamá City this week.
📖 nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
#SBSTTA27
📖 nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
#SBSTTA27
October 20, 2025 at 12:27 PM
[email protected] and 127 co-authors present a global call to strengthen national #SoilBiodiversity action, in an #OpenLetter to policymakers at 27th meeting of the @unbiodiversity.bsky.social SBSTTA taking place in Panamá City this week.
📖 nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
#SBSTTA27
📖 nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
#SBSTTA27
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
⏰ Abstract deadline extended - join the programme by submitting your research by Friday 24 October 🦋
Join us at our Outreach, Culture & Education SIG to network with like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture.
📍 National Museum Scotland
📅 22 Nov 2025
Register now 🔽
Join us at our Outreach, Culture & Education SIG to network with like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture.
📍 National Museum Scotland
📅 22 Nov 2025
Register now 🔽
Outreach, Culture & Education SIG Event 2025
Submit your abstracts on insect outreach and citizen science for a chance to share your research at the event.
buff.ly
October 20, 2025 at 11:44 AM
⏰ Abstract deadline extended - join the programme by submitting your research by Friday 24 October 🦋
Join us at our Outreach, Culture & Education SIG to network with like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture.
📍 National Museum Scotland
📅 22 Nov 2025
Register now 🔽
Join us at our Outreach, Culture & Education SIG to network with like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture.
📍 National Museum Scotland
📅 22 Nov 2025
Register now 🔽
I am one of more than 100 signatures on an Open Letter to strengthen national soil biodiversity action through coordination and harmonization 🪱🌱@plantspeopleplanet.bsky.social @cmarin.bsky.social @thegsbi.bsky.social doi.org/10.1002/ppp3... #soil #soilbiodiversity #policy #environment
Open letter: A global call to strengthen national soil biodiversity action through coordination and harmonization
Soil biodiversity remains one of the least systematically studied components of global biodiversity, largely invisible in policy agendas. A coordinated soil biodiversity monitoring approach is urgent...
doi.org
October 20, 2025 at 11:05 AM
I am one of more than 100 signatures on an Open Letter to strengthen national soil biodiversity action through coordination and harmonization 🪱🌱@plantspeopleplanet.bsky.social @cmarin.bsky.social @thegsbi.bsky.social doi.org/10.1002/ppp3... #soil #soilbiodiversity #policy #environment
Reposted by Dr Victoria J Burton
Don’t miss the #OrthopteraSIG 2025 on 5 Nov at @nhm-london.bsky.social 🦗
Enjoy talks, posters & live specimen displays, and a buffet dinner option at our friendly informal forum to share research across behaviour, acoustics, taxonomy, ecology & more.
Submit your abstract and register now 🔽
🔗
Enjoy talks, posters & live specimen displays, and a buffet dinner option at our friendly informal forum to share research across behaviour, acoustics, taxonomy, ecology & more.
Submit your abstract and register now 🔽
🔗
Orthoptera Special Interest Group (SIG) 2025
Join us at The Natural History Museum, London for the Royal Entomological Society’s annual Orthoptera meeting about grasshopper and cricket research, conservation, recording and more.
Our Orthoptera Special Interest Group (SIG) provides a forum for the discussion of all aspects of research and outreach involving Orthoptera, including behaviour, physiology, acoustics, ecology and taxonomy. The programme includes around ten short talks, with posters and livestock presented during refreshment breaks. The meeting is followed by an optional supper and drinks in the NHM common room.
We welcome contributions from all enthusiasts, students, academics, and other professionals.
buff.ly
October 16, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Don’t miss the #OrthopteraSIG 2025 on 5 Nov at @nhm-london.bsky.social 🦗
Enjoy talks, posters & live specimen displays, and a buffet dinner option at our friendly informal forum to share research across behaviour, acoustics, taxonomy, ecology & more.
Submit your abstract and register now 🔽
🔗
Enjoy talks, posters & live specimen displays, and a buffet dinner option at our friendly informal forum to share research across behaviour, acoustics, taxonomy, ecology & more.
Submit your abstract and register now 🔽
🔗