Julian Dobson
@juliandobson.bsky.social
1.1K followers 1.1K following 140 posts
Place, poetry, a dash of policy. Books on civic universities, urban nature, town centre futures and urban policy. Poems on anything. Imposter geographer. Also at juliandobson.net
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juliandobson.bsky.social
Brunnenmarkt, Vienna: the common good not as a benefit bestowed by planners but as emergent and fluid, generated through the everyday exchanges of some of the city’s most precarious residents.
Reposted by Julian Dobson
hepi-news.bsky.social
New Post: Can a university be civic if it fails to invest in local relationships? www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/07/07/c...
juliandobson.bsky.social
Hundertwasserhaus, if you haven’t been there already
juliandobson.bsky.social
There’s nothing like turning up at the allotment at 6am just before the solstice…
Freshly picked kohl rabi and beetroot, placed almost artistically on a couple of slates Opening sunflower at 6am
juliandobson.bsky.social
Really pleased to be working with @ella-hubbard.bsky.social and @riverdonproject.bsky.social on this - a chance to understand the rich variety of relationships between people and the river than connects South Yorkshire.
ella-hubbard.bsky.social
Exciting news! 👀 From September @juliandobson.bsky.social, @riverdonproject.bsky.social & I will be working together on the Ecological Citizen(s) Network+ funded project 'Watershed Moments'. Find out more and see the other amazing projects here: ecologicalcitizens.co.uk/ec-projects
juliandobson.bsky.social
Two or three so far…
juliandobson.bsky.social
It’s all so blinkered. Now if we started thinking in terms of urban biodiversity and rural social diversity we might start inching toward better ideas of thriving…
juliandobson.bsky.social
I've reviewed Robert Macfarlane's new book, Is A River Alive? for The Conversation
📚 It's a great read
🌳 It's an urgent call for new ways of relating to the natural world
😀 It’s timely inspiration for everyone who wants systems for mutual flourishing

theconversation.com/robert-macfa...
Robert Macfarlane’s new book is a plea to feel the pulse of our rivers
Robert Macfarlane’s new book asks a simple question that poses a profound challenge to environmental policy and the drive for economic growth.
theconversation.com
juliandobson.bsky.social
Always nice to see a bike shed in full bloom.
Green bike shed covered with pink flowering clematis montana
juliandobson.bsky.social
Fascinating conversations and challenging discussions at the ‘Meeting of Rivers’ workshop in Sheffield today. Kudos to the person who picked the room.
Window decorated with fish graphics
juliandobson.bsky.social
It’s that time again…
Freshly picked rhubarb
juliandobson.bsky.social
Embracing the bank holiday spirit: Easedale Tarn, Stickle Tarn, Elterwater and Loughrigg Tarn.
Reflections in Easedale Tarn, Lake District Stone in mist by the shore of Stickle Tarn Reeds and branches reflected in Elterwater Overhanging branch reflected in Loughrigg Tarn
juliandobson.bsky.social
It’s the sort of weekend (gloomy, ominous, unpromising) when thoughts turn to Lake District hillwalking. Here’s my take on the Kentmere round, just out in And Other Poems: andotherpoems.com/2025/04/16/a...
A Lake District scene: sunlight filtering through low, threatening cloud seen from a ridge.
juliandobson.bsky.social
I think they forgot to turn ours off for the winter…
juliandobson.bsky.social
Plum and damson blossom against a cloudless sky. The allotment is waking up, and thirsty already.
Plum blossom Damson in bud and about to flower
juliandobson.bsky.social
An impressive range of responses to the River Don at the Faethm exhibition at Kelham Island, Sheffield. Industry, history, poetry, litter and the backdrop of an unfolding ecological crisis.
Installation focusing on ochre in the rivers of Sheffield Part of Joanne Lee’s installation at Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield Prints inspired by litter picked along the River Don and the skeletons of creatures living in the river
Reposted by Julian Dobson
thepaulconnolly.bsky.social
Perhaps my favourite starter pack: #poets with collections - finished, WiP - they want to share. Let me know if you'd like to be included. Publishers, reach out to these fine people. There's gold in here. Everyone else, please follow and repost #booksky #poetrycommunity #writingcommunity #vss365