Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 5h

We won’t stop calling out poor decision-making.

And we won’t rest until nature is protected, by leadership that values science, accountability and our shared future over short-term politics.

(3/3)

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 5h

The Secretary of State calls this a win-win for development and nature.

It’s not. It’s a legislative shambles: no clarity for investors, no confidence for business and no security for nature.

You don’t build growth on chaos.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 5h

The Government has tabled 67 last-minute amendments to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill.‼️

Rushed through with little scrutiny, it’s a shambolic way to reform the planning system.

It creates confusion, sidelines science and leaves nature dangerously exposed.

(1/3)

A Wren stands upright on a mossy branch, beak open in full song, small but defiant. Against a soft golden blur, it seems to speak out for nature itself: a clear voice cutting through the noise, refusing to be ignored.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 7h

Red Squirrels always looking like they're about to politely interrupt

A Red Squirrel stands upright on the forest floor, tiny paws clasped neatly together as if waiting nervously to ask a question. Its wide eyes and hesitant posture give it an endearing, almost apologetic expression, as though feeling rather unsure about interrupting.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 1d

Lapland Buntings delight in today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight! ❄️

These Arctic travellers are a rare and special sight, weaving through our saltmarshes and coastal fields during their migration.

Listen for their twittering flight calls on crisp autumn mornings.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 1d

📷 John Lindsey

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 1d

Taxi to anywhere but Monday please. Thank you!

📷 @JLPhotos83

A Jay perched on a wooden post with its tail feathers spread and wing raised dramatically, as if flagging down a ride. Its expression looks mid-squawk, giving the impression it’s calling for help or trying to make a quick getaway.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 2d

Ready for some perfect Sunday night telly? 😍

The first episode of Hamza's Hidden Wild Isles airs tonight on BBC One at 6.15pm!

Booming bitterns at Minsmere, badgers in the bluebells, Nightingales in song...

We can’t wait! Who'll be tuning in?

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Reposted by RSPB

RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 3d

This #WorldMigratoryBird day why not join us on a trip down memory lane…

Read on to hear about some of RSPB science’s work on migratory species in the last few years 🪶

#ResearchRewind

An observer at the Sarimazi Raptor Count in Türkiye counts thousands of migrating storks overhead.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 3d

On World Migratory Bird Day, today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight is the Grey Plover! 🤩

These impressive fliers migrate from the Arctic, capable of non-stop flights of 6,500 km to reach UK coastlines.

Some stay for winter while others continue their journey to western Africa.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 3d

It’s #WorldMigratoryBirdDay! 🌍

Every year, migratory birds take on seriously epic journeys.

From our UK coasts and wetlands, to the forests of West Africa, we’re working to protect and restore the habitats they rely on along their routes.

Read more: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 4d

Today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight is the Jack Snipe…master of the stealth and wobble! 👀

These charming little waders sneak into wet meadows and bogs from northern Europe, bobbing up and down as they feed along the water’s edge.

How's that for a Friday smile?

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 4d

Nature has a way of grounding us.

A moment’s pause in the wild can be a simple act of self-care.

Where do you go to unwind and reconnect? 🍃

#WorldMentalHealthDay

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 5d

Nature lovers and photographers! 🍂

The leaves are turning, the nights are growing longer… and it’s time for seasons to change on our profile.

Share your best autumn snaps in the replies, and we’ll pick a favourite to feature as our cover photo! 😍

A Crested Tit, with its bold spiky crest, stands on a lichen-covered branch. Its soft brown and white feathers blend into the natural tones of the landscape, while its bright red eye adds a pop of colour. Delicate cobwebs cling to the branch, creating a peaceful and autumnal scene.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 5d

In the Arun Valley, @naturalengland.bsky.social , the Environment Agency & Southern Water worked to find a potential solution that improves water quality & protects wildlife while enabling development.

That’s how good planning works: with nature, not against it. 👇

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Water agreement to allow 21,000 new homes to be built in Sussex

An agreement is reached on new guidelines to protect wetlands and wildlife while building homes.

www.bbc.co.uk

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 5d

The Chancellor says she 'fixed' a problem caused by “some snails or something”.

Comments like this pit nature against growth – it’s the wrong target.

Here, the system has worked: protecting one of UK’s rarest species while allowing 20,000 homes to proceed.

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Rachel Reeves clears planning blockage amid ‘good relationship’ with developer

Exclusive: Chancellor says 20,000 homes were being held up due to ‘some snails that are a protected species or something’

www.theguardian.com

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 5d

Today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight... the Fieldfare! 🍒

Flocks arrive from Scandinavia, filling UK hedgerows and fields with their speckled breasts and blue-grey heads, feasting on berries and insects.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 6d

A very excited Jay just hopped into your scroll...got any acorns? 🍂

📷 John Lindsey

A Jay, with its warm buff body, black moustache mark, and bright blue wing patch, stands on a log with its beak open as if mid-call. Its upright posture and wide-eyed look give the impression of a bold little character announcing itself loudly in the autumn woodland.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 6d

That's why we've joined with over 170 organisations in writing to the Prime Minister.

Our message is simple: Do not weaken the laws protecting our National Parks and National Landscapes. ❌

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Plans to weaken protections for national parks will have ‘disastrous consequences’ say green groups

Exclusive: Letter from 170-plus organisations calls on government to drop proposed changes to planning law

www.theguardian.com

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 6d

Our National Parks are at risk. ⚠️

From the rugged Lakes to the sweeping South Downs, these landscapes define us and our future. They sustain wildlife, communities and our wellbeing - and they must be protected.

A future that puts them at risk isn't what anyone voted for.

A scenic view of a National Park landscape with a winding stone path leading through green hills and valleys under soft sunlight. In the centre of the image, bold black text on a red-and-black hazard-striped background reads: “DON’T WEAKEN NATIONAL PARK PROTECTIONS.” Below it, in white text, is the hashtag “#NationalParksMatter.”

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 6d

The Wigeon whistles into today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight! 🦆

Numbers swell come autumn as visitors from northern Europe join the UK’s resident birds, creating large flocks on wetlands and lakes.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 7d

Today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight is the humble Woodpigeon!

Did you know these familiar birds migrate?

From late October to November, huge flocks, sometimes tens of thousands strong, can be spotted flying south on clear, autumn days, while others stay in the UK year-round.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 7d

Tonight, the Harvest Moon rises: the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. 🌕

October’s full moon is also named the Hunter’s Moon, once marking a time to gather food for winter.

It will be the first of three supermoons this year, glowing bigger & brighter.

Moonrise: 19:44*

A close-up of a glowing full Moon, filling the frame against the black night sky. Its surface is marked with craters and rugged textures. This is a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 8d

"Just 5 more minutes?" 😴

#MondayMotivation

A red squirrel nestles snugly between two tree branches, its bushy tail curled over its head like a cosy blanket. One sleepy eye peeks out from the fluff, giving the impression of someone hitting snooze on a Monday morning. The golden light and soft focus add to the peaceful, drowsy vibe of this woodland scene.

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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 10d

The Redwing steals the show in today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight! 🍂

Their rusty red flanks and soft ‘seep seep’ calls are a sure sign of autumn as flocks sweep in overnight from icy Scandinavia, Iceland and Russia.

Spot them enjoying berries in our fields and hedgerows.

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