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Martin Elcoate

@melcoate.bsky.social

640 followers 290 following 800 posts

Volunteer for The Green Runners; low carbon running & birding in Devon, mostly in squares. Running in Squares - my blog for the OS https://linktr.ee/MartinElcoate?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=0a99957a-af9c-4481-81d1-6ba562fb06ff

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · Nov 9

Running in squares - I mostly keep my exploration local, whether running, walking or birding (many activities involve all three). Low carbon adventures from the front door.

#Running #Birding #LowCarbonAdventures #Local #ASingleMap #OrdnanceSurvey

getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/runni...

Running in Squares (OS Map Squares!)

Martin set himself a challenge to run through the 400 1 km squares in a 1:25.000 OS map centered on his home in Topsham, Devon...

getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 3h

27km run from home to complete a section of Sanctuary Lane that I’d not covered for my #ASingleMap challenge before adding a bit of the busy B3180 & a narrow path across the Commons.

A couple of calling Firecrests the birding highlight.

Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 1d

Exploring my map - over the last week I’ve run & walked through new places in my map.

Powderham Castle (food fair)
Roads in Exmouth
Very low tide at Exmouth
Roads in Exeter

#ASingleMap #Local

Reposted by Martin Elcoate

BirdLife International @birdlifeglobal.bsky.social · 3d

🚨2025 #RedList Update🚨

We have reassessed 1,360 bird species. Out of the 11,185 species assessed worldwide: 

⚠️11.5% are globally threatened.

📉61% have declining populations.

But restoring habitats will help put these species on a path to recovery.🌱

Read more👉 www.birdlife.org/red-list-upd...

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Reposted by Martin Elcoate

RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 5d

Our National Parks are at risk. ⚠️

From the rugged Lakes to the sweeping South Downs, these landscapes define us and our future. They sustain wildlife, communities and our wellbeing - and they must be protected.

A future that puts them at risk isn't what anyone voted for.

A scenic view of a National Park landscape with a winding stone path leading through green hills and valleys under soft sunlight. In the centre of the image, bold black text on a red-and-black hazard-striped background reads: “DON’T WEAKEN NATIONAL PARK PROTECTIONS.” Below it, in white text, is the hashtag “#NationalParksMatter.”

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Reposted by Martin Elcoate

Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 5d

UK #plastic waste exports to developing countries rose 84% in a year, data shows

- Campaigners say increase in exports mostly to Malaysia and Indonesia is ‘unethical and irresponsible waste imperialism’

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

UK plastic waste exports to developing countries rose 84% in a year, data shows

Campaigners say increase in exports mostly to Malaysia and Indonesia is ‘unethical and irresponsible waste imperialism’

www.theguardian.com

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 7d

I bought a light weight windproof layer so that I only use my waterproof jacket when really needed.

Reproofing with Granger products works for a while.

I should adopt these @inov8.bsky.social care instructions more often.

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 7d

Evening high tide - Bowling Green Marsh. Ended the day watching the ducks & waders.

Highlight was picking out a single Garganey among the mass of Teal. A smart 1st year bird, it was rarely in view.

Also 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank. Impressive count of 42 Gadwall

#DevonBirds

A single Garganey among Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler & Pintail.

Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 8d

Autumnal potter around Topsham this morning: Mediterranean Gull, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank & Marsh Harrier

Reposted by Martin Elcoate

BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 9d

⚠️ Please report sightings of dead birds for possible testing for Avian Influenza. ⬇️

📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...

#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland

Image of a deceased Puffin lying on the ground. White wording on an orange background reads: Please report sightings of dead birds.

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 9d

Around the Otter - windy walk around the Otter Estuary & up to Otterton. Three Goosanders on big marsh the best of the birds.

Reposted by Martin Elcoate

Dr. Jonathan Foley @globalecoguy.bsky.social · 9d

A very good overview of the climate and meat problem.

www.vox.com/future-perfe...

The climate movement’s biggest weakness

What the climate movement is getting dead wrong.

www.vox.com

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Reposted by Martin Elcoate

Dr. Jonathan Foley @globalecoguy.bsky.social · 10d

The new SHIFT guide helps you find your climate superpowers!

So glad to team up with @kimberlynicholas.bsky.social on this cool initiative!

www.dagens.com/lifestyle/th...

The Shift guide reveals your hidden climate superpowers

From protests to pensions: The unexpected ways to tackle climate change.

www.dagens.com

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 10d

Looks bang on to me. 10/10

(no problem if a shade darker but wouldn’t want to see it go any paler)

I’ll take a decaf tea if offered a preference.

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Reposted by Martin Elcoate

Damian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 10d

‘Planetary health diet’ could save 40,000 deaths a day, landmark report finds

- Diet allows modest meat consumption and would also slash food-related climate emissions by half, says report by 70 leading experts from 35 countries

Story by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...

‘Planetary health diet’ could save 40,000 deaths a day, landmark report finds

Diet allows modest meat consumption and would also slash food-related climate emissions by half, says report by 70 leading experts from 35 countries

www.theguardian.com

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 10d

Garden Snail out & about, seen in my morning walk. #Topsham #Snail

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 11d

Sounds like the summering male. The other male is a smarter bird in typical adult plumage.

Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 11d

Great day out by bike.

2 or 3 Marsh Harriers to roost this evening at Topsham. One or two adult males and a first year bird. Comparing notes to Exminster birders there are four birds currently in the area.

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Reposted by Martin Elcoate

Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 11d

My favourite Jane Goodall quotes....so many, so to the point, so wise. How different the world would be if enough people listened to her.

"People think hope is wishful thinking, and actually hope is about action." Quote from the Wiser Than Me podcast with Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

"Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our true potential." Graphic by the Jane Goodall Institute of South Africa.

"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Graphic by Ariana Huffington on Instagram.

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Reposted by Martin Elcoate

The Green Runners @thegreenrunners.bsky.social · 12d

Not what you want to see from any outdoor / running brand.

A stunt that is wrong on so many levels.

#HowWeKitUp #ChooseWisely

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Arc'teryx: Outdoor brand apologises for 'dragon' fireworks in Himalayas

Officials are investigating the firm after the display drew backlash for its potential environmental impact.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 12d

Woods & water - a short run post work through the woods & along the river as the sun set.

Good birding as I ran, with Firecrest calling and two Glossy Ibis flying against a fiery sky.

#GreenRunning #LowCarbonBirding #Devon

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Reposted by Martin Elcoate

Ed Hawkins @edhawkins.org · 12d

We will regret not acting faster on climate change.

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 13d

Morning misty walk

#Topsham

Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 14d

Long run up to Haldon. A 32k run from home along the canal and then up to the top of the hill.

Took the road from Ide to the Belvedere, a 6k Strava segment. Took it steady, so pleased & surprised to get a PB.

Hills took it out of my legs so the return home was increasingly hard work.

#Running

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Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 14d

A while ago I thought I had run along every stretch of public footpath in the OS map centred on my house. Out on a run today I realised I’d overlooked one.

50m of footpath done. I think that’s the last footpath but I’ve said that before.

Also add a new mill & community woodland to my map.

Martin Elcoate @melcoate.bsky.social · 15d

Second Topsham circuit of the day.

Popped onto the hide to see a Pectoral Sandpiper. I think it’s four years saw I last saw one (time flies).

Redpoll flew over the marsh calling.

Walked around to the Clyst along the estuary edge for distant wader views.