Now, capitalism is at it again, lobbying their way to freedoms to drill, build and destroy and unless we push back, our children will have to fight to protect what little is left all over again.

All over the world governments are weakening wildlife legislation which was fought for by previous generations who saw the impacts of capitalist destruction.

I’m starting weaving with some green mossy Harris tweed (the green weft in the photo is some alpaca I bought) for the first loop scarf, then I’ll get some nettle on the loom.

#weaving #plantdyes #wool #craftyecologist

I only left them in the dye bath for 4 hours. Half of the skeins were rinsed and hung to dry, the other I added to a pure nettle dye bath which was cooling and left to sit until the next day.

The copper piping didn’t make a drastic difference.

I dyed wool this time so added the fibre to the cold dye bath and brought up to heat for an hour or so, then allowed to cool and sit for 24 hours and rinsed.

Because we had so many nettles, I did add iron to one dye bath and copper to another. Because iron can damage animal fibres…

My hobs never manage to boil the big pans so I just leave them in whist I do other things and turn off when I think it’s time. Very unscientific of me. I don’t weigh the nettle either, but just stuff the pans full. We have an abundance so why not. I then leave for 24 hours and strain.

When I’m not doing ecology I like to craft - a lull in work recently has been a welcome rest, and given me time to tidy my workshop, warp my loom, and get some nettle dye on the go! Spring is a great time for nettle dye, using the tops. Add to water, bring to a simmer for a couple of hours…

Amazing, thanks for confirming. They were fab to watch.

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First dark-edged bee fly of the year today, along with first peacocks, brimstones and small tortiseshells. Lots about along the hedgerows.

This post just reminded me I put my work trousers in the wash with a sample of moss in the pocket!

I saw my first today near Lowestoft feeding on blackthorn :)

Pretty sure (happy to be corrected) these are pied shieldbugs (Tritomegas bicolor) - a first for me, spotted today in Norfolk whilst out on a botany survey. Look at em go! #shieldbug

I just listened to this today and I think it has to be one of my favourite Ologies! Really cool, thank you! 🐌

A few from a River Condition Assessment today including purple toothwort, and some great crested newts from a PEA a few days ago. Nice to be outside again!

#ecologist #newts #greatcrestednewt

Surely the BBC aren’t going to try and continue with it? If they do I think they’ll lose a lot of listeners, myself included.

Funnily enough the shows which stuck the most to me were the ones with women in.

Sheep, fungi, woodland and crocus. Just a few from home the past couple of weeks.

A couple of weekends ago my eldest daughter and I went for a girl’s trip to Amsterdam & visited the botanical garden whilst there - which was beautiful even at this time of year. The microbe museum was also really cool! 🤓

#amsterdam #botanicalgarden #microbemuseum

I’ve seen this before with colleagues who when it came down to it, their principles vanished to ensure they kept their position. You know what you did was right and that is worth so much more, and we all support your decision.

They really are an example of when humanity goes wrong. The entitlement, and arrogance is astounding! When will they ever be held accountable though?

I’ll be getting two copies, this is right up my bestie’s street! :)

This looks brilliant! Can’t wait to get a copy :D

Never heard of them being called that in Norfolk.

My favourite trees from Moot Hill in Wymondham. Excited to be helping @conservationarb.bsky.social with this local project.

#moothill #woodlandmanagement #veterantree

I feel like that’s an insult to fraggle rock tbh.

It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this, have had a good break and ultimately decided to delete instagram and threads and stick to here.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for this moss and if I can, will attempt to make fibre from it. It says it can grow up to 40cm but I’ve never seen a moss like that! The longer the growth the better the yarn quality will be.

As an ecologist AND spinner & weaver this has just opened a whole new rabbit hole for me!

New sheep had been in a pen within the field for a few hours, and they are t total strangers, often barrrring at each other over the road!