Patrick Barkham
@patrickbarkham.bsky.social
Guardian Natural History Writer, author of The Swimmer – the Wild Life of Roger Deakin, Wild Child, Islander, Badgerlands, The Butterfly Isles and a few others. President of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Special interests: butterflies, trees, restoring nature.
Pinned
As my daughter got sicker and sicker, our quest for answers dragged on. How did we all miss the bacteria taking over her body?
I write about nature, but when Milly got sick with a mystery illness, it never occurred to me that a long-forgotten tick bite could be the cause
www.theguardian.com
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
My dad John Barkham died recently. I mention it because some conservation scientists on here may have been taught or inspired by him. He inspired me. Thanks so much to everyone who attended or watched his funeral (it's still online) or donated to Norfolk Wildlife Trust 🙏 john-barkham.muchloved.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:32 PM
My dad John Barkham died recently. I mention it because some conservation scientists on here may have been taught or inspired by him. He inspired me. Thanks so much to everyone who attended or watched his funeral (it's still online) or donated to Norfolk Wildlife Trust 🙏 john-barkham.muchloved.com
One of THE best journalists on the Observer/in Britain, Rachel Cooke, has died, all too soon. She was so clever, kind, wise and a brilliant interviewer who inspired me. Really lovely tribute by Tim Adams here: observer.co.uk/news/nationa... Rest in Peace Rachel, and deep condolences to your family.
Remembering Rachel Cooke | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 10:24 AM
One of THE best journalists on the Observer/in Britain, Rachel Cooke, has died, all too soon. She was so clever, kind, wise and a brilliant interviewer who inspired me. Really lovely tribute by Tim Adams here: observer.co.uk/news/nationa... Rest in Peace Rachel, and deep condolences to your family.
So much global political doom and gloom but so much heartening action happening at grassroots - the more we all take part in local, loving action for the planet (and us), the better we all feel and the more real hope for the future. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Next great leap’: grassroots movement to wild East Anglia goes national
Set up by three ‘eco-anxious’ farmers, WildEast has created UK-wide version of pledge to encourage people to restore nature
www.theguardian.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:22 PM
So much global political doom and gloom but so much heartening action happening at grassroots - the more we all take part in local, loving action for the planet (and us), the better we all feel and the more real hope for the future. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Patrick Barkham
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
October 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
A mandatory swift brick for every new home won't be supported by Housing Secretary Steve Reed. That's quite a u-turn from the former Environment Secretary. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Government U-turns on support for bird-friendly swift bricks in new homes
Housing minister Steve Reed refuses to back mandating measure, despite giving support while in environment job
www.theguardian.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A mandatory swift brick for every new home won't be supported by Housing Secretary Steve Reed. That's quite a u-turn from the former Environment Secretary. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More than half of all bird species are in decline. But good news about green sea turtles - we can save species if we really try!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More than half of world’s bird species in decline, as leaders meet on extinction crisis
Biodiversity losses are growing, the IUCN reports as summit opens, but green turtle’s recovery ‘reminds us conservation works’
www.theguardian.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM
More than half of all bird species are in decline. But good news about green sea turtles - we can save species if we really try!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
We are nature. Its best interests are our best interests. So it's pretty dim of our chancellor to again pit wildlife against people, boasting of 20,000 homes built despite "some snails" that "are a protected species or something". www.theguardian.com/environment/... Unsavoury lobbying here too.
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
October 8, 2025 at 8:15 AM
We are nature. Its best interests are our best interests. So it's pretty dim of our chancellor to again pit wildlife against people, boasting of 20,000 homes built despite "some snails" that "are a protected species or something". www.theguardian.com/environment/... Unsavoury lobbying here too.
As a young reporter, I interviewed Jilly Cooper about the Animals in War memorial – she was so warm, kind and funny. I imagine she was a great friend to everyone she met. A lovely person.
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
Dame Jilly Cooper obituary
Author whose bestselling novels, including Riders and Rivals, were set deep in an English countryside where the natives pursued land, sports, and each other, with lust and gusto
www.theguardian.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:40 PM
As a young reporter, I interviewed Jilly Cooper about the Animals in War memorial – she was so warm, kind and funny. I imagine she was a great friend to everyone she met. A lovely person.
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/books/2025/o...
Calling young people aged 14 and under! The Guardian is looking for your 250-word pieces of writing about nature and landscape for the Young Country Diary. Entry here (and published diaries will be paid): www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Nature boys and girls – here’s your chance to get published in the Guardian
Our wildlife series Young Country Diary is looking for articles written by children, about their autumn encounters with nature
www.theguardian.com
October 6, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Calling young people aged 14 and under! The Guardian is looking for your 250-word pieces of writing about nature and landscape for the Young Country Diary. Entry here (and published diaries will be paid): www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I wrote this story back in 2020 about Larch Maxey www.theguardian.com/environment/... Now he faces losing his home - fundraiser here: gofund.me/ce4ec3de0
‘Seeing the trees being ripped down is really hard’: meet a father and son protesting against HS2
The controversial HS2 route slices through some of England’s most precious woodland. But standing in its way are father and son Larch and Seb Maxey. They explain why living 30ft off the ground in prec...
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 8:53 PM
I wrote this story back in 2020 about Larch Maxey www.theguardian.com/environment/... Now he faces losing his home - fundraiser here: gofund.me/ce4ec3de0
Extraordinary that a peaceful environmental protester faces losing his home over his opposition to the destruction of ancient woods and trees. Gofundme page for Dr Larch Maxey here gofund.me/ce4ec3de0 @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
Donate to Save Larch’s home from HS2, organized by Merlin Matthews
Hi, Dr. Larch Maxey has dedicated 40 years to sustainability and climate solutions. In 2020… Merlin Matthews needs your support for Save Larch’s home from HS2
gofund.me
October 3, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Extraordinary that a peaceful environmental protester faces losing his home over his opposition to the destruction of ancient woods and trees. Gofundme page for Dr Larch Maxey here gofund.me/ce4ec3de0 @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
In case you missed this, natural areas equivalent in size to Cyprus have been lost across Europe in just 5 years (2018-2023). www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK fifth-worst country in Europe for loss of green space to development
Exclusive: 1,680 football pitches of protected natural land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland lost in five years
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 11:23 AM
In case you missed this, natural areas equivalent in size to Cyprus have been lost across Europe in just 5 years (2018-2023). www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Great appeal here to protect a fantastic ancient woodland in Buckinghamshire. I've just walked through this landscape – the ancient royal hunting forest of Bernwood is being bisected by HS2 – and it is a magical area. Good luck @bbowt.bsky.social! www.bbowt.org.uk/news/wildlif...
Wildlife Trust launches £300,000 appeal to protect ancient woodland in Buckinghamshire | Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) has launched its £300,000 appeal to secure the future of Hamgreen Wood, an ancient woodland home to rare bat and butterfly species.
www.bbowt.org.uk
October 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Great appeal here to protect a fantastic ancient woodland in Buckinghamshire. I've just walked through this landscape – the ancient royal hunting forest of Bernwood is being bisected by HS2 – and it is a magical area. Good luck @bbowt.bsky.social! www.bbowt.org.uk/news/wildlif...
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
As my daughter got sicker and sicker, our quest for answers dragged on. How did we all miss the bacteria taking over her body?
I write about nature, but when Milly got sick with a mystery illness, it never occurred to me that a long-forgotten tick bite could be the cause
www.theguardian.com
September 28, 2025 at 8:20 AM
This is the story of my daughter Milly and Lyme Disease. There was no rash, no "summer flu", NHS blood tests negative. And she's been ill for a quarter of her life.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Thank you @lymediseaseuk.bsky.social & @lymeresourcecentre.bsky.social for raising UK awareness.
If you pick up the Guardian Weekend Magazine today, please read about my daughter Milly’s battle with Lyme disease. And if you’re feeling bold, drop your copy into your local GP. There are thousands of Millys out there. Most are currently not helped at all by the NHS or, worse, not believed.
September 27, 2025 at 9:23 AM
If you pick up the Guardian Weekend Magazine today, please read about my daughter Milly’s battle with Lyme disease. And if you’re feeling bold, drop your copy into your local GP. There are thousands of Millys out there. Most are currently not helped at all by the NHS or, worse, not believed.
If you pick up the Guardian Weekend Magazine today, please read about my daughter Milly’s battle with Lyme disease. And if you’re feeling bold, drop your copy into your local GP. There are thousands of Millys out there. Most are currently not helped at all by the NHS or, worse, not believed.
September 27, 2025 at 9:06 AM
If you pick up the Guardian Weekend Magazine today, please read about my daughter Milly’s battle with Lyme disease. And if you’re feeling bold, drop your copy into your local GP. There are thousands of Millys out there. Most are currently not helped at all by the NHS or, worse, not believed.
Reposted by Patrick Barkham
More great coverage of a brilliant initiative. Great to see @norfolkponds.bsky.social getting the coverage it deserves.
£2000 per pond, what a bargain!
@patrickbarkham.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
£2000 per pond, what a bargain!
@patrickbarkham.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘It’s resurrection’: 1,000-year-old seeds could grow ancient plants in England’s ice-age ghost ponds
An expert team are resurrecting ice age ponds and finding rare species returning from a ‘perfect time capsule’
www.theguardian.com
September 20, 2025 at 11:39 AM
More great coverage of a brilliant initiative. Great to see @norfolkponds.bsky.social getting the coverage it deserves.
£2000 per pond, what a bargain!
@patrickbarkham.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
£2000 per pond, what a bargain!
@patrickbarkham.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
In case you missed it: lots of amazing and heartening pond restoration going on. Research is likely to confirm that seeds "lost" in the bottom of filled-in ponds can remain viable for 100s of years so ponds and their aquatic plants leap back to life. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘It’s resurrection’: 1,000-year-old seeds could grow ancient plants in England’s ice-age ghost ponds
An expert team are resurrecting ice age ponds and finding rare species returning from a ‘perfect time capsule’
www.theguardian.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
In case you missed it: lots of amazing and heartening pond restoration going on. Research is likely to confirm that seeds "lost" in the bottom of filled-in ponds can remain viable for 100s of years so ponds and their aquatic plants leap back to life. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Nothing nicer at this time of year than mellow sunshine and a red admiral nectaring on ivy. Love the blue on its hindwings 😍
September 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Nothing nicer at this time of year than mellow sunshine and a red admiral nectaring on ivy. Love the blue on its hindwings 😍
Good news from Chicago! Rivers can be cleaned up, and are being cleaned up. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Hundreds plunge in Chicago River for first official swim in nearly 100 years
Group participates in previously unthinkable mile-long swim after US made key progress to clean polluted rivers
www.theguardian.com
September 21, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Good news from Chicago! Rivers can be cleaned up, and are being cleaned up. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
This Saturday I'm bringing the wild world of Roger Deakin to the Leiston Book Festival – tickets and fascinating full programme here: www.leistonbookfestival.co.uk Looking forward to it!
Home | Leiston Book Festival | 20 Sept
The first Leiston Book Festival took place on 7 September 2024 and was a great success. In 2025 we continue the theme established last year as six renowned writers explore ideas about our changing lan...
www.leistonbookfestival.co.uk
September 17, 2025 at 12:09 PM
This Saturday I'm bringing the wild world of Roger Deakin to the Leiston Book Festival – tickets and fascinating full programme here: www.leistonbookfestival.co.uk Looking forward to it!
Really honoured to be interviewing nature writing legend Richard Mabey on Oct 3rd at the brilliant North Norfolk Festival of Literature and Landscape in Wells-next-the-sea – full programme and tickets here literatureandlandscape.org
Literature & Landscape
North Norfolk Festival of the arts and nature
literatureandlandscape.org
September 17, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Really honoured to be interviewing nature writing legend Richard Mabey on Oct 3rd at the brilliant North Norfolk Festival of Literature and Landscape in Wells-next-the-sea – full programme and tickets here literatureandlandscape.org
New legal challenge to try and save beautiful and wildlife-rich Whitewebbs Park from Spurs new football academy. The speed at which 20k was raised (and then exceeded) shows the strength of local feeling against this takeover of public green space. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
New legal challenge to plan for Spurs football academy in London park
Campaigners crowdfund £26,000 to seek judicial review of move to construct pitches in wildlife-rich area
www.theguardian.com
September 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM
New legal challenge to try and save beautiful and wildlife-rich Whitewebbs Park from Spurs new football academy. The speed at which 20k was raised (and then exceeded) shows the strength of local feeling against this takeover of public green space. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Patrick Barkham
This is infuriating. What is the point of a Marine Protected Area if trawlers are allowed to keep ploughing it?
Yet again, the government has succumbed to commercial lobbying.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Yet again, the government has succumbed to commercial lobbying.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Bottom trawling to continue in English protected waters, government rules
Defra says blanket ban on ‘destructive’ fishing practice disproportionate as MPs urge minister to reconsider
www.theguardian.com
September 9, 2025 at 6:15 AM
This is infuriating. What is the point of a Marine Protected Area if trawlers are allowed to keep ploughing it?
Yet again, the government has succumbed to commercial lobbying.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Yet again, the government has succumbed to commercial lobbying.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Perhaps not quite the amazing butterfly summer many of us experienced. I know @savebutterflies.bsky.social adjust data for an early flight season but I wonder if some low numbers are because species eg Meadow Brown had been and gone before the Big Butterfly Count? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Britain’s butterflies bounce back in annual count – but only to average levels
Biggest insect survey in world finds UK’s hot summer led to increase in numbers of many species, but overall trends are still concerning
www.theguardian.com
September 9, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Perhaps not quite the amazing butterfly summer many of us experienced. I know @savebutterflies.bsky.social adjust data for an early flight season but I wonder if some low numbers are because species eg Meadow Brown had been and gone before the Big Butterfly Count? www.theguardian.com/environment/...