James Cooper
@jvcooper100.bsky.social
Head of External Affairs for Woodland Trust. Likely to post about nature, politics especially environment policy, heritage, cricket, rugby. Views my own.
Reposted by James Cooper
New post just out:
"Troubleshooters"
How fixing the many small frustrations - that make up most of our interactions with the state - can give people faith in goverment's ability to make things work.
And help create a different Whitehall culture.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
"Troubleshooters"
How fixing the many small frustrations - that make up most of our interactions with the state - can give people faith in goverment's ability to make things work.
And help create a different Whitehall culture.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
Troubleshooters
How to get people believing in the state again
open.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:58 AM
New post just out:
"Troubleshooters"
How fixing the many small frustrations - that make up most of our interactions with the state - can give people faith in goverment's ability to make things work.
And help create a different Whitehall culture.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
"Troubleshooters"
How fixing the many small frustrations - that make up most of our interactions with the state - can give people faith in goverment's ability to make things work.
And help create a different Whitehall culture.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
Having spent 18 months reviewing its targets for nature recovery (whilst some have absurdly blamed nature for lack of growth) the Government is running out of time to deliver them. Moving faster and further won't just help nature but public health and pride in place too bsky.app/profile/wcln...
📣 Nature targets are not optional – they are the law 📜
Will this Government be the first ever to break the law by missing legally binding nature targets?
The Office of Environmental Protection warns today that much more action is needed.
🔗Read more here: tinyurl.com/WCLresponse
Will this Government be the first ever to break the law by missing legally binding nature targets?
The Office of Environmental Protection warns today that much more action is needed.
🔗Read more here: tinyurl.com/WCLresponse
January 13, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Having spent 18 months reviewing its targets for nature recovery (whilst some have absurdly blamed nature for lack of growth) the Government is running out of time to deliver them. Moving faster and further won't just help nature but public health and pride in place too bsky.app/profile/wcln...
Reposted by James Cooper
This week we launched “Mair Trees Please” at the Scottish Parliament - a 14-page document setting out our priorities for the next Scottish Government. We hope our asks will be adopted into in party manifestos in the run up to the May 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. Read 👉 buff.ly/rEBjbqO
December 19, 2025 at 12:11 PM
This week we launched “Mair Trees Please” at the Scottish Parliament - a 14-page document setting out our priorities for the next Scottish Government. We hope our asks will be adopted into in party manifestos in the run up to the May 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. Read 👉 buff.ly/rEBjbqO
Good to see a new National Forest announced - linked to the growth agenda. It will enhance quality of life there as with the Northern Forest. But what a missed opportunity to show leadership on the UK's own temperate rainforests- a source of national pride #COP30 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
National Forest to be planted in Oxford-Cambridge corridor
Trees will be planted alongside new homes and businesses, the government says.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Good to see a new National Forest announced - linked to the growth agenda. It will enhance quality of life there as with the Northern Forest. But what a missed opportunity to show leadership on the UK's own temperate rainforests- a source of national pride #COP30 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by James Cooper
As the PM heads to the Amazon for COP30, remember that Britain is also a rainforest nation.
UK Ministers must support Brazil's plans to save the world's tropical rainforests. They must also set a goal to restore Britain's own lost temperate rainforests:
lostrainforestsofbritain.org/2025/11/05/a...
UK Ministers must support Brazil's plans to save the world's tropical rainforests. They must also set a goal to restore Britain's own lost temperate rainforests:
lostrainforestsofbritain.org/2025/11/05/a...
As the PM heads to the Amazon, remember that Britain is a rainforest nation
On Thursday, the Prime Minister will arrive in the Amazon rainforest for the COP30 climate talks, hosted this year by Brazil. As Keir Starmer composes his speech, he should remember that Britain, t…
lostrainforestsofbritain.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:06 AM
As the PM heads to the Amazon for COP30, remember that Britain is also a rainforest nation.
UK Ministers must support Brazil's plans to save the world's tropical rainforests. They must also set a goal to restore Britain's own lost temperate rainforests:
lostrainforestsofbritain.org/2025/11/05/a...
UK Ministers must support Brazil's plans to save the world's tropical rainforests. They must also set a goal to restore Britain's own lost temperate rainforests:
lostrainforestsofbritain.org/2025/11/05/a...
Reposted by James Cooper
There was a discussion on LinkedIn yesterday about the good days of Academic Twitter before everything went to crap and we left. I'm curious why we haven't been able to recreate that here. A lot of the same folks are here, but there's not as much engagement. What's Bluesky missing? ⚛️🧪
November 2, 2025 at 3:27 PM
There was a discussion on LinkedIn yesterday about the good days of Academic Twitter before everything went to crap and we left. I'm curious why we haven't been able to recreate that here. A lot of the same folks are here, but there's not as much engagement. What's Bluesky missing? ⚛️🧪
Great to see this campaign from @thetimes.com It's so important that we #GetBritainReading www.thetimes.com/article/4328...
Join The Sunday Times Get Britain Reading campaign
Reading for fun transforms lives, but we’re losing the habit. A stellar group of authors — from Ian McEwan to Marian Keyes — agree with us: it’s time to act
www.thetimes.com
October 12, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Great to see this campaign from @thetimes.com It's so important that we #GetBritainReading www.thetimes.com/article/4328...
This just looks like ill judged opportunism. What we really need is work to reinforce the UK's place as a global leader. That means innovative action which links the tackling of the climate and nature crises and delivers tangible benefits to communities www.ft.com/content/1154...
Kemi Badenoch’s climate gamble doesn’t add up
Repealing the 2008 Climate Change Act would not spare Britain costs — it would only make adaptation and mitigation more expensive
www.ft.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM
This just looks like ill judged opportunism. What we really need is work to reinforce the UK's place as a global leader. That means innovative action which links the tackling of the climate and nature crises and delivers tangible benefits to communities www.ft.com/content/1154...
Reposted by James Cooper
Our final event on Sunday we'll be looking at one of the key debates of the current parliament between nature protection and NIMBYism. Along with our friends at @nationaltrust.org.uk and The Woodland Trust.
September 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Our final event on Sunday we'll be looking at one of the key debates of the current parliament between nature protection and NIMBYism. Along with our friends at @nationaltrust.org.uk and The Woodland Trust.
A very worthy winner of Tree of the Year- Glasgow's Argyle Street Ash www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tree of the Year: Glasgow's Argyle Street Ash wins title
The tree defeated nine other contenders in a public vote to win the annual prize.
www.bbc.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:22 PM
A very worthy winner of Tree of the Year- Glasgow's Argyle Street Ash www.bbc.com/news/article...
Great opening to #WildsummitUK from @richardbenwell.bsky.social ''We need to be more positive, more propositional"
September 11, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Great opening to #WildsummitUK from @richardbenwell.bsky.social ''We need to be more positive, more propositional"
Reposted by James Cooper
The UK has a target to protect 30% of land & sea for nature by 2030🏞️
But progress isn’t adding up - just 6% of land across the UK is protected, with 5 years to go🥀
New findings are launched as we prepare for #WildSummitUK tomorrow, where nature voices from across the country will push for action 🌱
But progress isn’t adding up - just 6% of land across the UK is protected, with 5 years to go🥀
New findings are launched as we prepare for #WildSummitUK tomorrow, where nature voices from across the country will push for action 🌱
September 10, 2025 at 5:12 AM
The UK has a target to protect 30% of land & sea for nature by 2030🏞️
But progress isn’t adding up - just 6% of land across the UK is protected, with 5 years to go🥀
New findings are launched as we prepare for #WildSummitUK tomorrow, where nature voices from across the country will push for action 🌱
But progress isn’t adding up - just 6% of land across the UK is protected, with 5 years to go🥀
New findings are launched as we prepare for #WildSummitUK tomorrow, where nature voices from across the country will push for action 🌱
Can the Druids Oak help save forests? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Druids Oak is 800 years old - can it help save forests?
Scientists are decoding the DNA of Britain’s ancient oaks to crack the secrets of their superpowers.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 29, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Can the Druids Oak help save forests? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by James Cooper
We enjoyed meeting @imogenwalker.bsky.social at the bonnie Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve recently (beautifully managed by scotwildlife.bsky.social) to discuss expanding urban tree cover, the UK Internal Market Act & other matters. Thanks for your time, Imogen!
#MairTreesPlease
#MairTreesPlease
August 21, 2025 at 11:11 AM
We enjoyed meeting @imogenwalker.bsky.social at the bonnie Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve recently (beautifully managed by scotwildlife.bsky.social) to discuss expanding urban tree cover, the UK Internal Market Act & other matters. Thanks for your time, Imogen!
#MairTreesPlease
#MairTreesPlease
Reposted by James Cooper
Greetings from Glencoe. En route with @wtscotsocial.bsky.social and Woodland Trust UK to find my all time favourite tree
July 15, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Greetings from Glencoe. En route with @wtscotsocial.bsky.social and Woodland Trust UK to find my all time favourite tree
Overall this is a tough spending settlement for Defra but it's encouraging to see the importance of continued investment in trees and nature-friendly farming recognised. A priority should be to build on the success of projects like the Northern Forest which deliver across government #SpendingReview
June 12, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Overall this is a tough spending settlement for Defra but it's encouraging to see the importance of continued investment in trees and nature-friendly farming recognised. A priority should be to build on the success of projects like the Northern Forest which deliver across government #SpendingReview
Reposted by James Cooper
New week, new Nature or No Nature!
Rachel Reeves: Your spending choices could be a turning point for nature.
Our 100k strong petition asked you to increase nature-friendly farming funding, which our research shows could reduce costs elsewhere.
So your question today is:
Rachel Reeves: Your spending choices could be a turning point for nature.
Our 100k strong petition asked you to increase nature-friendly farming funding, which our research shows could reduce costs elsewhere.
So your question today is:
June 9, 2025 at 9:14 AM
New week, new Nature or No Nature!
Rachel Reeves: Your spending choices could be a turning point for nature.
Our 100k strong petition asked you to increase nature-friendly farming funding, which our research shows could reduce costs elsewhere.
So your question today is:
Rachel Reeves: Your spending choices could be a turning point for nature.
Our 100k strong petition asked you to increase nature-friendly farming funding, which our research shows could reduce costs elsewhere.
So your question today is:
Reposted by James Cooper
Without big changes, the Government’s Planning Bill could spell disaster for nature 🥀
The Gov has promised a win-win for building & nature, but right now the Bill doesn't deliver🏡
@richardbenwell.bsky.social explains what the Gov needs to do to make the Bill work for people and nature 👇
The Gov has promised a win-win for building & nature, but right now the Bill doesn't deliver🏡
@richardbenwell.bsky.social explains what the Gov needs to do to make the Bill work for people and nature 👇
April 9, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Without big changes, the Government’s Planning Bill could spell disaster for nature 🥀
The Gov has promised a win-win for building & nature, but right now the Bill doesn't deliver🏡
@richardbenwell.bsky.social explains what the Gov needs to do to make the Bill work for people and nature 👇
The Gov has promised a win-win for building & nature, but right now the Bill doesn't deliver🏡
@richardbenwell.bsky.social explains what the Gov needs to do to make the Bill work for people and nature 👇
Brilliant piece by Mattthew Syed about the wider significance of the Sycamore Gap felling and our relationship with time www.thetimes.com/article/6504...
That sycamore wasn’t ‘just a tree’. It was a link to our wiser past
Technology has eroded our understanding of time. These phone-toting vandals sum up our quick-hit culture
www.thetimes.com
May 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Brilliant piece by Mattthew Syed about the wider significance of the Sycamore Gap felling and our relationship with time www.thetimes.com/article/6504...
Reposted by James Cooper
Prof Dasgupta's review for the Treasury advocated thinking differently about the economy and nature. How to put it into practice? Looking forward to discussing at @green-alliance.org.uk event tonight.
NEW DATE: The nature of our economy » Green Alliance
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment
green-alliance.org.uk
April 22, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Prof Dasgupta's review for the Treasury advocated thinking differently about the economy and nature. How to put it into practice? Looking forward to discussing at @green-alliance.org.uk event tonight.
Reposted by James Cooper
We stand with 80+ charities urging the UK government to stop scapegoating wildlife for planning failures like the housing crisis. The planning bill must protect our countryside, rivers & wildlife, not sacrifice them for short-term gains.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
UK charities urge ministers to stop scapegoating nature for planning failures
Exclusive: RSPB and National Trust among groups saying rhetoric from Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer at odds with public sentiment
www.theguardian.com
March 24, 2025 at 3:28 PM
We stand with 80+ charities urging the UK government to stop scapegoating wildlife for planning failures like the housing crisis. The planning bill must protect our countryside, rivers & wildlife, not sacrifice them for short-term gains.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Disappointing to see Kemi Badenoch walking back from net zero commitment. Environmental security is a vital part of wider security agenda where Conservatives have had strong story to tell. Plus key components of the policy such as tree planting deliver many other other benefits to society.
March 19, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Disappointing to see Kemi Badenoch walking back from net zero commitment. Environmental security is a vital part of wider security agenda where Conservatives have had strong story to tell. Plus key components of the policy such as tree planting deliver many other other benefits to society.
Reposted by James Cooper
My column on honours lists, the snubbing of rugby league, a history of racism in 20th century Welsh rugby and why Billy Boston should be league's first knight.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
Rugby league due its first knight – but Sir Kev must wait his turn
Now 90, Billy Boston rose above discrimination to establish himself as a role model in a community that was proud to support him. He and his sport should be properly honoured sooner rather than later
www.thetimes.com
January 4, 2025 at 8:58 AM
My column on honours lists, the snubbing of rugby league, a history of racism in 20th century Welsh rugby and why Billy Boston should be league's first knight.
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-...
