Martin Elcoate
@melcoate.bsky.social
630 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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melcoate.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Martin Elcoate
rspb.bsky.social
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.”
Reposted by Martin Elcoate
dpcarrington.bsky.social
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
melcoate.bsky.social
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.
melcoate.bsky.social
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.
melcoate.bsky.social
Autumnal potter around Topsham this morning: Mediterranean Gull, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank & Marsh Harrier
Reposted by Martin Elcoate
btobirds.bsky.social
⚠️ 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.
melcoate.bsky.social
Around the Otter - windy walk around the Otter Estuary & up to Otterton. Three Goosanders on big marsh the best of the birds.
melcoate.bsky.social
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.
Reposted by Martin Elcoate
dpcarrington.bsky.social
‘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
melcoate.bsky.social
Garden Snail out & about, seen in my morning walk. #Topsham #Snail
melcoate.bsky.social
Sounds like the summering male. The other male is a smarter bird in typical adult plumage.
melcoate.bsky.social
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.
Reposted by Martin Elcoate
katharinehayhoe.com
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.
melcoate.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Martin Elcoate
edhawkins.org
We will regret not acting faster on climate change.
melcoate.bsky.social
Morning misty walk

#Topsham
melcoate.bsky.social
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
melcoate.bsky.social
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.
melcoate.bsky.social
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.
melcoate.bsky.social
Sunday Sunday - 11k run along quiet paths to bring up 70k for the week. Then back out with Bert 🐕 for a walking loop of Topsham.

Three Glossy Ibis on Bowling Green Marsh and a couple of Firecrests calling loudly.
Reposted by Martin Elcoate
ukrbbp.bsky.social
Our most recent report, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2022, is now available open access on our website at tinyurl.com/2xf23keu
All reports dating back to 1973 can be found at rbbp.org.uk/annual-repor....
Our next report, for 2023, will be published in @britishbirds.bsky.social in November
The cover of British Birds, November 2024, with a Glossy Ibis illustration
Reposted by Martin Elcoate
thegreenrunners.bsky.social
1/2 - We need to talk about what we eat.

One of our four pillars is #HowWeFuel

We recognise that what we eat has a big part to play in our impact on the environment & climate.

This article highlights the need to keep that conversation alive.

www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Meat is a leading emissions source – but few outlets report on it, analysis finds
Sentient Media reveals less than 4% of climate news stories mention animal agriculture as source of carbon emissions
www.theguardian.com