Miles King
@milesking.bsky.social
Now at tail end of a long career in UK Nature Conservation - nature reserves, SSSIs, policy work, lots of reports - and 10+ years of blogging. Currently run @poundburynatureproject. Cellist. Living with chronic vestibular migraine. Personal account.
Pinned
Miles King
@milesking.bsky.social
· Nov 23
As the clock runs down until Wednesday's budget, the farming and landowning sectors are once again working themselves up into a lather over the already announced changes to Inheritance Tax exemptions for agricultural property and businesses; claims of a collapse in food production at the fore 🧵1/x
The US is now banning people from the US who are literally working to counter disinformation, on the grounds they threaten US free speech.
Meanwhile Trump sues the BBC for err showing his own speech, albeit rather clumsily edited, in a programme broadcast in the UK. It wasn't even shown in the USA.
Meanwhile Trump sues the BBC for err showing his own speech, albeit rather clumsily edited, in a programme broadcast in the UK. It wasn't even shown in the USA.
French President Emmanuel Macron has condemed a visa ban imposed by the US on Thierry Breton, a former European Union commissioner who helped drive the EU's Digital Services Act, which has targeted US tech companies.
December 24, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The US is now banning people from the US who are literally working to counter disinformation, on the grounds they threaten US free speech.
Meanwhile Trump sues the BBC for err showing his own speech, albeit rather clumsily edited, in a programme broadcast in the UK. It wasn't even shown in the USA.
Meanwhile Trump sues the BBC for err showing his own speech, albeit rather clumsily edited, in a programme broadcast in the UK. It wasn't even shown in the USA.
Bizarre timing to announce this climb down . www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government waters down farm inheritance tax plan
The government has now said it will lift the intended threshold from £1m to £2.5m.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Bizarre timing to announce this climb down . www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The shine has definitely come off Reform. Perhaps all those revelations about Farage and his antisemitic/racist comments have finally broken through.
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 25% (-3)
LAB: 20% (+2)
CON: 19% (+2)
LDM: 15% (+1)
GRN: 15% (-2)
SNP: 3% (-1)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 21-22 Dec.
Changes w/ 14-15 Dec.
RFM: 25% (-3)
LAB: 20% (+2)
CON: 19% (+2)
LDM: 15% (+1)
GRN: 15% (-2)
SNP: 3% (-1)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 21-22 Dec.
Changes w/ 14-15 Dec.
December 23, 2025 at 11:28 AM
The shine has definitely come off Reform. Perhaps all those revelations about Farage and his antisemitic/racist comments have finally broken through.
With 8 days left, current mean temperature for December here in Dorset is 11.1C, 2.3°C warmer than the previous warmest December (last year); and > double the 5.3°C of December 2022.
Annual mean temp has gone from 11.47°C in 2021, to 12.98°C in 2025. 2021 was a slightly warmer than average year.
Annual mean temp has gone from 11.47°C in 2021, to 12.98°C in 2025. 2021 was a slightly warmer than average year.
This year is on course to be the UK's hottest since records began, according to the Met Office, as climate change continues to drive temperatures to new heights:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
2025 likely to be UK's hottest year ever recorded – Met Office
Scientists could not be clearer that human-caused climate change is driving the UK's warming trend.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:04 AM
With 8 days left, current mean temperature for December here in Dorset is 11.1C, 2.3°C warmer than the previous warmest December (last year); and > double the 5.3°C of December 2022.
Annual mean temp has gone from 11.47°C in 2021, to 12.98°C in 2025. 2021 was a slightly warmer than average year.
Annual mean temp has gone from 11.47°C in 2021, to 12.98°C in 2025. 2021 was a slightly warmer than average year.
The Chickens, of privatising things that depend on infrastructure built up to/over 200 years ago in the Holocene climate - railways, water/sewage & canals - are very much coming home to roost, in post-Holocene climate chaos. Privatising the canals was unbelievably stupid, even by stupid standards.
December 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Chickens, of privatising things that depend on infrastructure built up to/over 200 years ago in the Holocene climate - railways, water/sewage & canals - are very much coming home to roost, in post-Holocene climate chaos. Privatising the canals was unbelievably stupid, even by stupid standards.
Reposted by Miles King
The bit that gets missed in the scandal around Farage's schooldays is that his school made him a prefect - despite warnings from staff about his conduct.
It's a recurring theme for Trump, Johnson, Farage & co. We can't be surprised at the way they behave, when their behavior is constantly rewarded.
It's a recurring theme for Trump, Johnson, Farage & co. We can't be surprised at the way they behave, when their behavior is constantly rewarded.
December 22, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The bit that gets missed in the scandal around Farage's schooldays is that his school made him a prefect - despite warnings from staff about his conduct.
It's a recurring theme for Trump, Johnson, Farage & co. We can't be surprised at the way they behave, when their behavior is constantly rewarded.
It's a recurring theme for Trump, Johnson, Farage & co. We can't be surprised at the way they behave, when their behavior is constantly rewarded.
Reposted by Miles King
‘Unashamedly capitalist’ rewilders claim ‘Moneyball’ approach could make millions – but experts sceptical
www.theguardian.com/environment/... Oxygen Conservation. Bringing the Elon Musk/Peter Thiel business model to rewilding.
www.theguardian.com/environment/... Oxygen Conservation. Bringing the Elon Musk/Peter Thiel business model to rewilding.
‘Unashamedly capitalist’ rewilders claim ‘Moneyball’ approach could make millions – but experts sceptical
Rich Stockdale says model of ‘regenerative capitalism’ would maximise profits by planting trees, restoring peatlands, and installing windfarms across its estates
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:48 PM
‘Unashamedly capitalist’ rewilders claim ‘Moneyball’ approach could make millions – but experts sceptical
www.theguardian.com/environment/... Oxygen Conservation. Bringing the Elon Musk/Peter Thiel business model to rewilding.
www.theguardian.com/environment/... Oxygen Conservation. Bringing the Elon Musk/Peter Thiel business model to rewilding.
The stark contrast between Labour action on animal welfare - Stick: ban trail hunting. Stick: ban shooting hares with young. Stick: ban snares.
With their total inaction on wild species conservation. Reject all legislative proposals to strengthen protection of wild species. Dangle Carrots instead.
With their total inaction on wild species conservation. Reject all legislative proposals to strengthen protection of wild species. Dangle Carrots instead.
December 22, 2025 at 11:39 AM
The stark contrast between Labour action on animal welfare - Stick: ban trail hunting. Stick: ban shooting hares with young. Stick: ban snares.
With their total inaction on wild species conservation. Reject all legislative proposals to strengthen protection of wild species. Dangle Carrots instead.
With their total inaction on wild species conservation. Reject all legislative proposals to strengthen protection of wild species. Dangle Carrots instead.
Happy Winter Solstice!
The good news : The days are getting longer again from now. #wintersolstice
December 21, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Happy Winter Solstice!
Labour keeping their manifesto promises on hunting and more broadly animal welfare.
Makes the fact they have abandoned commitments to nature all the more bizarre and frankly depressing.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Makes the fact they have abandoned commitments to nature all the more bizarre and frankly depressing.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Trail hunting to be banned as part of new animal welfare strategy
The government says the practice is being used as a
www.bbc.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Labour keeping their manifesto promises on hunting and more broadly animal welfare.
Makes the fact they have abandoned commitments to nature all the more bizarre and frankly depressing.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Makes the fact they have abandoned commitments to nature all the more bizarre and frankly depressing.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Isn't that the plot of the first Terminator film?
December 21, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Isn't that the plot of the first Terminator film?
Reposted by Miles King
Fight pirates with...more pirates!
😳 On 12/18/25, Senator Mike Lee posted:
“Would you like to seize cartel assets as a privateer?
My bill would allow the president to issue you a letter of marque.
Time to take these pirates down. 🏴☠️” 1/ x.com/senmikelee/s...
“Would you like to seize cartel assets as a privateer?
My bill would allow the president to issue you a letter of marque.
Time to take these pirates down. 🏴☠️” 1/ x.com/senmikelee/s...
December 21, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Fight pirates with...more pirates!
Reposted by Miles King
Have a soft spot for the England cricket team but they’ve deserved this Ashes annihilation from the off
British press was full of preening ‘this is our year’ nonsense before a ball had even been bowled
Bazball is pure ‘Global Britain’ Brexit BS. Full of exceptionalism and hot air
British press was full of preening ‘this is our year’ nonsense before a ball had even been bowled
Bazball is pure ‘Global Britain’ Brexit BS. Full of exceptionalism and hot air
December 21, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Have a soft spot for the England cricket team but they’ve deserved this Ashes annihilation from the off
British press was full of preening ‘this is our year’ nonsense before a ball had even been bowled
Bazball is pure ‘Global Britain’ Brexit BS. Full of exceptionalism and hot air
British press was full of preening ‘this is our year’ nonsense before a ball had even been bowled
Bazball is pure ‘Global Britain’ Brexit BS. Full of exceptionalism and hot air
can we finally see Bazball consigned to history please.
December 20, 2025 at 5:39 PM
can we finally see Bazball consigned to history please.
Reposted by Miles King
Humans were present in the Americas by at least 23000 years ago. Civilisations rose & fell throughout the Americas multiple times before Europeans arrived.
If one year equals the time since humans arrived in the Americas, The Mayflower arrived at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on Christmas Day.
If one year equals the time since humans arrived in the Americas, The Mayflower arrived at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on Christmas Day.
December 20, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Humans were present in the Americas by at least 23000 years ago. Civilisations rose & fell throughout the Americas multiple times before Europeans arrived.
If one year equals the time since humans arrived in the Americas, The Mayflower arrived at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on Christmas Day.
If one year equals the time since humans arrived in the Americas, The Mayflower arrived at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on Christmas Day.
Reposted by Miles King
10 years ago today. Powerful and poignant. #DavidBowie, genius to the very end.
David Bowie - Lazarus (Official Video) [HD]
YouTube video by David Bowie
youtu.be
December 20, 2025 at 4:31 PM
10 years ago today. Powerful and poignant. #DavidBowie, genius to the very end.
great drone shots of the River Frome flooded at Dorchester. The river level at peak flood wasn't far off the record flood in July 2012. www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/2571162...
Pictures: Widespread flooding after river bursts banks
A major river in Dorset has burst its banks following torrential downpours across Dorset
www.dorsetecho.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 11:55 AM
great drone shots of the River Frome flooded at Dorchester. The river level at peak flood wasn't far off the record flood in July 2012. www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/2571162...
Reposted by Miles King
New #StrongMessageHere is up. @nataliehaynes.bsky.social and I discuss our words and phrases of the year. And I’m compared by AI to a kangaroo. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Strong Message Here - Words of the Year (with Natalie Haynes) - BBC Sounds
Armando Iannucci and Natalie pick through some of the words of the year.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 9:10 AM
New #StrongMessageHere is up. @nataliehaynes.bsky.social and I discuss our words and phrases of the year. And I’m compared by AI to a kangaroo. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Shooting Brown Hares to be banned for most of the year.
Don't get me wrong, I love Hares but is there any other introduced animal that is given so much legal protection, and political effort?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Don't get me wrong, I love Hares but is there any other introduced animal that is given so much legal protection, and political effort?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Shooting hares in England to be banned for most of the year
Exclusive: Ministers also expected to announce trail-hunting ban in sweeping changes to animal welfare law
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Shooting Brown Hares to be banned for most of the year.
Don't get me wrong, I love Hares but is there any other introduced animal that is given so much legal protection, and political effort?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Don't get me wrong, I love Hares but is there any other introduced animal that is given so much legal protection, and political effort?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Stewart Lee's latest column almost seems to invite a multi-billion pound lawsuit from Donald "Mushroom" Trump. Are @thenerve.news pockets that deep? Lee also critiques Starmer's craven attempts to ingratiate himself and his Govt to Trump, and his foray onto TikTok.. www.thenerve.news/p/stewart-le...
Stewart Lee: Trump’s BBC lawsuit isn’t about money. It’s about destroying a news provider
The White House’s dead-eyed shark has monetised his presidency so well that he can pay whatever it costs to discredit institutions that may threaten him
www.thenerve.news
December 20, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Stewart Lee's latest column almost seems to invite a multi-billion pound lawsuit from Donald "Mushroom" Trump. Are @thenerve.news pockets that deep? Lee also critiques Starmer's craven attempts to ingratiate himself and his Govt to Trump, and his foray onto TikTok.. www.thenerve.news/p/stewart-le...
classic bait & switch. Incinerator firm gets permission to burn limited types of waste: "refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from domestic, commercial & industrial non-hazardous waste".
Then having got permission, seeks "minor technical variation" to burn 68 more types of waste! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Then having got permission, seeks "minor technical variation" to burn 68 more types of waste! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Council joins calls against Portland incinerator permit changes
Dorset Council urges the Environment Agency to refuse a bid to burn more types of waste at Portland.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 5:59 PM
classic bait & switch. Incinerator firm gets permission to burn limited types of waste: "refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from domestic, commercial & industrial non-hazardous waste".
Then having got permission, seeks "minor technical variation" to burn 68 more types of waste! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Then having got permission, seeks "minor technical variation" to burn 68 more types of waste! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Wow.
Ramsay MacDonald led both pre WW2 Labour Governments, the 2nd ending in disaster with a run on the Bank of England. MacDonald ended up losing his cabinet & much of the party, before forming a coalition with the Tories & Liberals. MacDonald was denounced as a traitor & expelled from the party.
Ramsay MacDonald led both pre WW2 Labour Governments, the 2nd ending in disaster with a run on the Bank of England. MacDonald ended up losing his cabinet & much of the party, before forming a coalition with the Tories & Liberals. MacDonald was denounced as a traitor & expelled from the party.
One interesting nugget in this piece could explain the (otherwise baffling) appearance of Ramsay MacDonald in a 2024 Labour Party Election Broadcast
December 19, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Wow.
Ramsay MacDonald led both pre WW2 Labour Governments, the 2nd ending in disaster with a run on the Bank of England. MacDonald ended up losing his cabinet & much of the party, before forming a coalition with the Tories & Liberals. MacDonald was denounced as a traitor & expelled from the party.
Ramsay MacDonald led both pre WW2 Labour Governments, the 2nd ending in disaster with a run on the Bank of England. MacDonald ended up losing his cabinet & much of the party, before forming a coalition with the Tories & Liberals. MacDonald was denounced as a traitor & expelled from the party.