Yesterday it was a long and VERY wet day on VERY steep ground, on a mission to meet some rare and isolated willow populations.
Now that grazing pressure has been reduced at Mar Lodge, these 'montane' species, which only grow above 650m, are starting to recover. But some of the rarer species are only just managing to cling-on (to cliff edges, quite literally).
Given their isolation from one another, those rare species now need some assistance if their future is to be secured. We were up there to collect seeds, which will then be grown into trees in a nursery, and then planted back out in different locations.
The ground was mostly horrendous. Wet, steep, spongey and slabby, and boots filled with water from the soggy walk in But what a situation! And what a great piece of work to be involved with. The sun even came out at the end of the day, although the boots squelched the whole walk out!
That's the short version, but you can read much more about this work here: https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/scotlands-missing-habitat-restoring-montane-woodlands-at-mar-lodge-estate
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If Cosmere Characters worked at a coffee shop...
[Spoilers for Rhythm of War & Mistborn Era 1, technically! All other references should be safe.]
Let’s say the Cosmere characters lived in our world and worked as baristas. What would they be like in that role?
1. Kaladin: Keeps trying (in vain) to unionize with the other employees
Kaladin: I really thought we had it, that time.
Kaladin: I can’t believe I’m the only one who didn’t get fired.
Kaladin: AGAIN
2. Shallan: Makes the most gorgeous latte art you’ve ever seen
Customer: H-How did you make the flower 3D? It’s just MILK
Shallan: I learned it from a book!
3. Sarene: Is the queen of malicious compliance and working to rule
Sarene: Manager got on my case because the customer said the coffee was weak.
Sarene: I am using this scale to measure out the proper coffee amounts to the gram.
Sarene: These tweezers help.
4. Kelsier: The rumors of his firing were greatly exaggerated
Doug the normal barista: Uh, I’m pretty sure our new coworker Ty Decker is just Kelsier in a mustache.
Doug the other normal barista: Impossible! We saw him get fired!
Doug #1: I’m telling you, man! It’s like he can’t leave this coffeeshop!
“Ty” (to a customer): Hello would you like to join my secret club?
Doug #2 (whispering): And I’m pretty sure he’s in an MLM!
5. Adolin: Knows each customer by name (and flirts for tips)
Adolin: Janala! It’s so great to see you! You look gorgeous as always!
Janala: ...
Janala: Is our date going to be just hanging out at your coffeeshop while you’re working?
Adolin: I-It’ll be fun; you’ll see!
6. Lirin: Refuses to apply upcharges
Lirin: No one should have to pay EXTRA for oatmilk!
Lirin: I’m just going to give this to you for free.
7. Steris: Has the employee handbook memorized
Steris: Actually, it’s illegal to ask Doug to start the coffee before he clocks in.
Steris: Employee handbook Section 3.7a.
8. Lightsong: Refuses to believe that he is a god (of coffeemaking)
Lightsong: Ugh, WHY are we always so much busier when I’m working?
Lightsong: I’m not even that good at making coffee!
Llarimar: People believe your coffee is the best in town.
Lightsong: The coffee maker does all the work!
9. Lezian: Keeps forming grudges against coworkers
Lezian: Every time someone else gets chosen for Employee of the Month instead of me...
Lezian: I make it my mission to see them FIRED before the month is OVER!
Kaladin: But that’s...always.
Kaladin: You’re not very good at your job.
Lezian: THAT’S IT
Lezian: YOU’RE ON MY LIST
10. Tress: Really just loves the cups
Tress: Oh! I love your travel mug!
Tress: Where is it from?
11. Vivenna: Gradually has all of her coffeeshop illusions shattered
Vivenna: Man, I really thought people would come in, order off the menu, and then wait politely for their drink to be made and delivered.
Customer: NINE SHOTS OF ESPRESSO! WHIPPED CREAM!
Vivenna: I have seen the darkest parts of humanity.
12. Hoid: Is somehow everyone’s previous coworker
Shallan: Wait, didn’t we work for UberEats together?
Kelsier: No, that’s the bastard who slapped me! In the middle of Walmart! While we were on the clock!
Kaladin: Huh? I think that’s the guy who always changed the radio station in the store I used to work at.
Steris: I think he did Lyft with my sister.
Vivenna: Are you sure? I thought he worked at a bookstore with MY sister.
Sarene: I think I recognize him from my last office job. He never really seemed to do anything.
Adolin: How old IS this guy??
13. Rock: Makes the coffee...very strong
Rock: This is how we drink it where I’m from!
Customer: M-My tongue is dissolving!
14. Jasnah: Doesn’t like coffee
Shallan: You don’t like coffee??
Jasnah: I do not.
Shallan: You work in a coffee shop!
Jasnah: I don’t try to convince others to dislike coffee.
Jasnah: But I do believe that it is an unnecessary contrivance that people depend too much on.
Shallan: I thought you pulled, like, constant all-nighters!
Jasnah: That’s just sheer willpower.
15. Silence: Takes safety rules very seriously
Silence: Hey!
Silence: Wash out that cut, put on a band-aid, and wear gloves! You can’t bleed around food!
Silence: T-turn off that stove! You shouldn’t leave an open flame if you’re not heating something up!
Silence: AND NO RUNNING!
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