Osbert Lancaster
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Osbert Lancaster
@osbert.org
1.4K followers 870 following 2.1K posts
Podcaster, facilitator and improviser, exploring how people and the rest of nature can thrive, right now and whatever the polycrisis brings.

https://thrivablescotland.com/

📍Edinburgh, Scotland
Posts Replies Media Videos
osbert.org
@skyreader.app getting error trying to save www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Error message
September 17, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
neilmackay.bsky.social
Genius
nicolashenin.net Nicolas Hénin @nicolashenin.net · 13h
Nice campaign by the Norwegian Consumer Council about the declining lifespan of products. Enjoy!
September 17, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
savantfoxt.bsky.social
Reform's ground troops making Britain much less safe. If one person drowns off the coast because the RNLI weren't able to launch from Portsmouth lifeboat station, their death is blood on the hands of these nasty racist thugs who value human life as cheap, if they value it at all.
September 17, 2026 at 12:29 PM
osbert.org
@offprint.app Any ETA for native comments? As an interim measure, any thoughts on how to let readers know they could post or comment on Bluesky? I imagine for many readers who don't pay attention to the tech stuff, that will be very opaque.
September 17, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
spokes.org.uk
TBF
On the other hand @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social was first in Scotland to implement the #pavementparking laws despite dire predictions of disaster; so there is boldness *sometimes*

-> www.spokes.org.uk/2024/07/conv...

@edi.bike @chdot.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social
Spokes article on Scott Arthur's time on Transport Cttee.. Legacy In terms of policies, the ban on pavement parking (and double-parking) was a highlight of Scott Arthur’s convenership. Once the Scottish Parliament put the law into effect, Edinburgh went ahead with a rapid but well thought-out and successful implementation [see ‘update’ para here], including a tough ‘no-exemptions’ approach, despite the predicted public backlash. Most Scottish councils were more fearful, and seemed to be waiting to see what happened in Edinburgh before implementing the ban in their own area. If only we could see similar speedy but effective action in other controversial Edinburgh transport policy areas! Other positives (this is not an exhaustive list) include… Going ahead with the ETRO Orders which look set to retain the vast bulk of the ‘Travelling Safely’ covid active travel schemes. There was, of course, backsliding at Silverknowes and a crazy continuing saga (which will plague the new Convener) in the Braid Estate, threatening the Quiet Route to the Meadows; though threats to the Comiston Road scheme were rectified. We were also very disappointed that some of the schemes scrapped by the previous Council were not reinstated – e.g. the uphill Morningside Road cycle lane and many of the shopping-street footway extensions which had replaced kerbside parking Pushing forward a 7-7-7 bus lane trial on a major route, and resisting official and union pressure to allow private hire cars Getting government approval to increase bus lane infringment fines from £60 to £100 Supporting officers firmly and publicly, in the face of highly vocal minority voices, on several issues, but notably on Corstorphine Connections low traffic scheme, including many visits to the area. There are big disappointments too (and neither is this an exhaustive list) … The Council has an incredibly tough target (and targets have been reaffirmed by the new Convener) to reduce car-km 30% by 2030. Experts agree that even to get near such a target requires strong demand management, almost certainly involving some form of charging. However, proposals for an Edinburgh workplace parking levy were dropped (although Edinburgh Labour councillors largely supported the principle of a WPL when the act was going through Parliament). A congestion charge would anyway probably be more effective, and was spoken of positively by Cllr Arthur early in his convenership, but little seems to have happened since. At first sight, the excellent Future Streets policy, incorporating an innovative Circulation Plan and bold City Centre Transformation (see diagram) should deserve a place in the first list above. The Transformation would remove all private through-traffic from the city centre by use of multiple traffic filters and bus-gates. BUT, city centre implementation, which at one time was spoken of as hopefully in 2025 or 2026, now seems likely to be split into multiple stages, with ever-lengthening timescales. And North Bridge, which is slated to be bus/tram, taxi, cycle, walk-only in the Transformation policy, and has been closed to northbound traffic for 3 years for major refurbishment, has now been reopened to all 2-way traffic – a huge missed opportunity, rather than reopening to bus/taxi/cycle/walk-only. Future Streets : City Centre Transformation plan There has also been much poor cycleroute design (e.g. Leith Walk and Elm Row) largely associated with the tramline extension. To be fair, the designs largely pre-date the present council and were hard to fix by the time of construction, due to the tramline contract legalities.
September 17, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
memorialup.bsky.social
Now available!

Ursula Kelly tells the remarkable & little-known story of the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit, a WWII civilian group of over 3,000 men sent to the United Kingdom to cut timber in an age still dependent on wood for wartime needs.

memorialuniversitypress.ca/Books/F/From...
September 16, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
scottishhousingnews.com
Two affordable housing developments owned by The City of Edinburgh and East Lothian councils are demonstrating how a collaborative approach, modern methods of construction and repeatable house designs can help accelerate the delivery of much-needed new homes.
Affordable homes take shape through innovative regional housing model
Two affordable housing developments owned by The City of Edinburgh and East Lothian councils are demonstrating how a collaborative approach, modern methods of construction and repeatable house designs can help accelerate the delivery of much-needed new homes.
www.scottishhousingnews.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:26 AM
osbert.org
Can anyone point me to good articles explaining the Atmosphere (Atprotocal not climate) to lay users? @standard-reader.app? Is there a @semble.so collection perhaps?

I'm planning to mention my move to @offprint.app to my subscribers, and it would be good to have something to reference.
September 15, 2026 at 1:43 PM
osbert.org
"Here's what's working" 👈 more of this in every domain of action for climate, nature and justice please!
unep.org UN Environment Programme @unep.org · 2d
For decades, mangrove forests were considered one of the fastest-disappearing ecosystems.

But a new study offers one of the most encouraging conservation stories yet: global mangrove losses have slowed while gains have increased.

Here’s a glimmer of hope: https://ow.ly/iqo550ZMzmh
September 15, 2026 at 1:38 PM
osbert.org
If you haven’t seen this, do take the opportunity!

I resisted for ages, but was actually very impressed. (and wrote about it: thrivablescotland.com/a/3mpnqwtqmv... )
September 15, 2026 at 12:38 PM
osbert.org
This Looks interesting. I’m already busy unfortunately.

www.eventbrite.com/e/if-women-r...
If Women Ran the World, Would We Have Solved Climate Change?
Can women help save the planet? Explore gender, climate action, male insecurities, and what we can all do as the climate crisis intensifies.
www.eventbrite.com
September 15, 2026 at 9:39 AM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
threadinburgh.scot
*Every* school should have all through roads festooned with Zebra and Puffin crossings and every side street made a school street. No consultation, no debate, just implemented. And yes, inconveniencing and slowing down traffic is *THE WHOLE POINT*. It shouldn't be controversial or difficult.
September 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM
osbert.org
“In a partnership of equals, you should be able to discuss going your separate ways without obstacles and barriers being threatened as punishment.”

bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/09/14/g...
Gaslighting the Union
If Scotland Is Such a Burden, Why Do They Fight So Hard to Keep Us? The more you look at English-based commentary on the gathering of pro-independence leaders, the more you recognise something fund…
bellacaledonia.org.uk
September 14, 2026 at 5:40 PM
osbert.org
Just a few days to register and join us for a walk in the Meadows to discuss whether regenerative festivals could be an answer to overtourism in Edinburgh.

events.humanitix.com/could-edinbu...
Could Edinburgh be the world’s first regenerative festival city?
A networking discussion for changemakers working for environmental and social change: exploring how we can respond in the climate, nature and human crisis.
events.humanitix.com
September 14, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
sosleith.bsky.social
Free showing, Mon 28th September
September 14, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
yesiuoy.bsky.social
How can art spark climate action where data falls short? Join Dr Jillian Ooi and Dr Nuradilla Fauzi on Wednesday 16 September 2026 for an art-science seminar exploring the power of environmental artivism and eco-pedagogy.

buff.ly/fNrBpUJ

@uoyenvironment.bsky.social @school-of-act.bsky.social
Seminar titled "Echoes of Climate" on environmental art-activism, attendees seated listening to a presenter beside traditional gongs and a projected slide; event banner shows date/time, University of York location, and YESI logo.
September 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM
osbert.org
Make a band edible:

Creedence Clearwater Falafel
barskin.bsky.social barskin™ @barskin.bsky.social · 4d
Make a band edible

Spinal Wrap
September 13, 2026 at 5:15 PM
osbert.org
Make band edible:

Crosby, Stills & Mash
dorkymum.bsky.social Ruth Dawkins @dorkymum.bsky.social · 4d
Make a band edible:

Crowdie House.
thaliathalia.bsky.social Thalia @thaliathalia.bsky.social · 4d
Make a band edible:

Radiobread
September 13, 2026 at 11:38 AM
osbert.org
Make a band edible:

Fleetwood Mac’n’Cheese
dorkymum.bsky.social Ruth Dawkins @dorkymum.bsky.social · 4d
Make a band edible:

Crowdie House.
thaliathalia.bsky.social Thalia @thaliathalia.bsky.social · 4d
Make a band edible:

Radiobread
September 13, 2026 at 11:35 AM
osbert.org
Still lots of blackberries in Holyrood Park
Lots of blackberries on brambles Several blackberries and a bright red rosehip
September 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM
osbert.org
www.linkedin.com/mwlite/feed/...
Comment by Kris de Meyer “ Your message is not what responsible risk management looks like. It’s not about positioning with much certainty “These people are wrong and I’m right. ‘ Responsible risk management is about entertaining the whole range of outcomes and then to say “What are the actions we need to take to make these really bad outcomes less likely and the better outcomes more likely’.
September 13, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
squirreltower.eurosky.social
Absolutely chapeau to whoever made this….It’s beautiful

One to share with your racist uncles
emathion.bsky.social Emathion 📯 @emathion.bsky.social · 5d
The French made a short film about what could happen after all immigrants would follow the ‘white, angry old man’s’ advice to go back where they came from.
September 13, 2026 at 8:35 AM
Reposted by Osbert Lancaster
philplait.bsky.social
Oh this is interesting! Climate scientist @leahstokes.bsky.social shows that candidates who talk about climate change *get a bump in preference from voters*. "Common knowledge" is that climate is a losing issue, but this survey shows the opposite is true: voters care.

mailchi.mp/9af4ccd3280e...
Climate action comes in waves
mailchi.mp
September 12, 2026 at 3:42 PM
osbert.org
“The most successful environments we encountered arose from the initiative, competence and motivation of specific individuals.”

theconversation.com/twenty-five-...
Twenty-five years after 9/11: an over-reliance on technology is leaving us vulnerable
Are technological advances making us any safer? It appears not.
theconversation.com
September 12, 2026 at 5:20 PM