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Mark Bravery

@markbravery.bsky.social
171 followers 161 following 676 posts

Birding mostly in and around London, drinking real ale across most of Britain, following Sutton Utd FC home and away

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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 11h
⚽️ Tamworth 2 Sutton Utd 0: worryingly poor, error-strewn performance from us against limited but hard-working opponents, lifted out of the relegation zone by this result. The two goals (one an own goal from a corner) came early in the second half; we managed one shot on target all game. Now 11th.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 17h
🍺 Tamworth Tap, Tamworth, thrice CAMRA's national Pub of the Year. My fourth visit here. Standards seem to be being upheld, despite the Orkney Red MacGregor served in Oakham glasses.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 21h
🍺 First outing for this beautiful monster that was squeezed through my letter-box a couple of weeks ago. Since then I've been busy marking it up. The debut trip is to Tamworth, where there is no new pub to tick off, but a notable one to revisit. And I have plans for tomorrow.
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London & Southeast🔅 @thesnowdreamer.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Historically late tropical night unknown for time of year. Still needs to be confirmed Heathrow fell just short 19.9C but seems inner London, St James’s Park stayed above 20C.
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Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Some good stuff in here, but missing one key word - climate That's right. Not a single mention of the greatest threat this country, and the world, have ever faced Really quite bizarre www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c6...
bbc.co.uk
Burnham giving first Labour conference speech as prime minister - watch live
Under the plan, the state pension will continue to rise each year in line with inflation or by 2.5% - but the annual earnings link will be dropped.
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John Boorman @johnboorman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Local birding. 1/2. A juvenile Hobby on a pylon in a small London park this morning. #londonbirds @davidelement.bsky.social @markbravery.bsky.social
A juvenile Hobby perched on an electricity pylon.A juvenile Hobby perched on an electricity pylon.A juvenile Hobby perched on an electricity pylon.A juvenile Hobby perched on an electricity pylon.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ Wandle Meadow this morning: two young Hobbies were still around, flying between pylons (intermittently harassed by Carrion Crows) and calling. One had caught a small bird. There were also at least a dozen Chiffchaffs on site (some singing), a Blackcap, and a Cetti's Warbler (singing) by the river.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
⚽️ Hear Mike, Gabriel and I forage through Forest Green then mull over two trips to the Midlands.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
⚽️ Sutton Utd 3 Forest Green Rovers 3: rough-and-tumble match in which we started poorly and were 2-0 then 3-1 behind, but by the latter stage our opponents were down to ten men, a sumptuous volley and a late header earning us a point. We slip to 10th.
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David Element @davidelement.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This rather bizarre sight is a male Common Blackbird Turdus merula that hadn't quite finished moulting yet #birds! Note the feather sheaths. Photographed yesterday in a small London park. As shot, and cropped. He will look far more handsome once his remaining feathers have grown!
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ Wandle Park SW19 today: a cronking Raven flew over as I entered, then a Hobby (probably one of the three juveniles seen here on Monday) alighted briefly on a pylon before being seen off by a Carrion Crow. A crow later mobbed an overflying Red Kite.
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Cab Davidson @gnomeicide.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
We have closed all safe and legal routes. This is all that's left. We can fix this by opening safe and legal asylum claims from the other side of the channel, breaking the criminal gangs overnight. That's just not racist enough. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Home Secretary hits out at 'unacceptable' migrant landings in Kent
The arrivals of two unescorted migrant boats mark the first uncontrolled landings recorded in the UK since 2025.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
⚽️ Surrey Senior Cup 1st round, Epsom & Ewell 0 Sutton Utd 2 (played at Chessington & Hook FC): our team of mostly fringe first-teamers made hard work of this against opponents from four tiers below, but goals in the 70th and 72nd minutes, the latter heavily deflected, saw us through.
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Steve Gale @stevewg.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
UMA Day 21 Denbies Hillside, Surrey 5 Red Kite, 40 Common Buzzard, 8 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 90 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Stonechat, 9 Blackcap, 30 Chiffchaff, 28 Jay (inc 18 high movers W), 11 Raven + 11 Clouded Yellow (1 helice form), 1 Vestal, 1 Vernal Shieldbug #UMA
Stonechat 21/9/26
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ Great shot from David! I'm delighted to have such special birds in view through my living-room window.
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Yair Wallach @yairwallach.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
In the last decade, the IDF prosecuted one (1) soldier for unlawfully killing a Palestinian in the occupied territories. Elor Azaria served 9 months in prison. Today Israel's president, Yitzhak Herzog, pardoned him and expunged his criminal record. A clear message of 100% impunity.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
⚽️ FC Halifax Town 1 Sutton Utd 1: a game between two mediocre sides looked to be heading to 0-0 until some very late drama, Halifax scoring in the 94th minute following a free kick, only for us to scramble an equaliser in the 95th! We're 6th again.
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Simon Lee @simonleewx.com · 19/09/2026
BBC News with yet another bizarrely weak way of saying “Climate change is driven predominantly by burning fossil fuels and will continue until net zero emissions are reached.” www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
“Recent climate data combined with record heatwaves have given weight to the argument against further exploitation of fossil fuels.”
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🍺 Vocation & Co, Hebden Bridge: brewery tap, rather forbidding stone exterior disclosing an airy, modernised interior. Quite a few older folk in. Their Chop & Change was marginally my beer of the day.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🍺 Old Gate, Hebden Bridge: long, landmark, town-centre bar with copper-topped counter and upstairs restaurant. Mixed crowd in. I had high hopes of the Redwillow Amarillo Porter but it's disappointingly sweet and bland.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🍺 Fox & Goose, Hebden Bridge, W Yorks: cosy, three-roomed, community-owned pub with flagstone floor and garden terrace upstairs. Mostly mature clientele, relaxed ambience. Great choice of ales; the Pale Ale from Stockport's Runaway Brewery is in fine form but rather too dry for my palate.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🍺 Robin Hood, Cragg Vale, W Yorks: up-valley from Mytholmroyd, and helpfully served by an evening bus from Hebden Bridge, this imposing, rural pub has two rooms, one for dining and one for drinking. The hazy Lost in Ikea, from local brewery Nightjar, is pleasantly fruity.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ Wimbledon Common today: I was delighted (without trying hard) to find four Firecrests but, intriguingly, I didn't encounter a single Goldcrest. This seems to be the way that Surrey woodland is going. Also of note: flyover, cronking Raven and, on Queensmere, Mandarin Duck pair, two Little Grebes.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
⚽️ Sutton Utd 2 Eastleigh 1: same starting XI as on Saturday but a much improved performance, against a side managed by Matt Gray who took us into the EFL in 2021. Two goals in five first-half minutes set us on our way, and we could even afford a late failure from the penalty spot. Up to 6th.
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Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
You can read my latest piece in @theguardian.com here 2027 is going to be grim www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The incoming ‘super’ El Niño will create chaos around the world. And we are far from ready for it | Bill McGuire
One of the biggest upheavals in a millennium is on its way, strengthened by the climate crisis. We need leaders who make things better not worse, says climate professor Bill McGuire
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ A few of us have spotted the Spotted C!
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Amanda Tuke @amandatuke.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Autumn phase of my book tour getting underway, with lots of fun things #urbannature #booktour
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Phil Mellows @philmellows.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Community ownership "the only way" to secure future of Wimbledon's Trafalgar | Morning Advertiser www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2026...
morningadvertiser.co.uk
Community ownership ‘only way’ to protect city pub
Campaigners are looking to raise £250k to buy The Trafalgar in South Wimbledon and make it Merton’s first community-owned pub.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ Staines Reservoirs, Surrey: my third recent visit, today's highlight a Pectoral Sandpiper on the south basin's emerging islands. Other waders present: Little Stint, Knot (my 200th bird of 2026 🙂), Common Sandpiper, plenty of Ruff, Dunlin, Ringed Plover. A Peregrine then scattered them all away!
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
⚽️ Sutton Utd 0 Scunthorpe Utd 2: rather disjointed performance from us, nothing in an attacking sense coming off, their keeper twice saving well. That's three straight league defeats, with zero goals scored, and we're now 9th. The early-season wheels have well and truly come off.
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Martin Calladine @uglygame.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
It's extraordinary that, in a week when someone was charged with terrorism in relation to a plot against a Mosque in Sutton, resulting in the Met Commissioner visiting to reassure worshippers, Sutton Council still takes no action against aggressive flagging and Christofascist displays.
Street covered in St George's flagsAnother street covered in St George's flagsDuring his visit to the mosque, Sir Mark said: "It's important for me to be here today in Sutton with the Muslim community, partly showing our determination in fighting hate crime and protecting them and partly to hear their reflections and look at what more we can do."

He said that since the alleged plot had been foiled, police patrols had been deployed to protect worshippers.

"They're seeing at the moment increased presence around mosques here and elsewhere, just like we've done recently for Jewish [people] in other communities.

"And we'll keep doubling down on this because it matters."In Sutton, there were 35 instances of anti-Muslim hate crime in that period, up 119% annually.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ RSPB Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk, today: my first visit here, and the big prize was a decent view of a juvenile Spotted Crake (one of two reported). Also seen: flyover Spoonbill, Great White Egret, Avocets, Ruff, Golden Plover flock - plus a loping Otter that put up dozens of alarmed waders.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
🍺 Live & Let Live, King's Lynn: wonderfully traditional back-street pub, conveniently close to my overnight accommodation. One other customer in at 10pm (but it is raining). The Green Jack Trawlerboys (reference there to Lowestoft Town FC), a robust best bitter, is my beer of the day.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
🍺 Marriott's Warehouse, King's Lynn: C16th quayside building converted into bar/restaurant. I had a decent meal here, but the Moon Gazer Pintail, a beer I couldn't duck (!), and which I'd previously enjoyed in Norwich, was here in dull eclipse.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
🍺 London Porterhouse, King's Lynn, Norfolk: modestly-proportioned local on the main road south out of town. Customer's large black dog laps up diluted beer slops dispensed into bowl. The Adnams Ghost Ship, with excessive head and in a Timothy Taylor glass, just passes muster.
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Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
This 'tougher' stance is the very bare minimum This rogue state is run by genocidal war criminals and the UK should cut off all relations and call for them to face charges in the International Criminal Court www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
UK to adopt tougher stance on Israel with illegal settlements trade ban
Ed Miliband to reassert support for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution in move likely to draw fierce criticism from US and Israel
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
⚽️ Barrow 3 Sutton Utd 0: our undistinguished record at Holker Street continues. 🙁 As against Wealdstone last Monday, we hand our opponents their first win of the season, barely testing their keeper in a fractious contest. That's five goals conceded for no reply in two games, and we slip to 5th.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
🍺 Unsworth's Yard Brewery, Cartmel, Cumbria: this place came highly recommended so I made the effort to get here. Small taproom beside courtyard, idyllic in the September sunshine. Cheese shop also adjacent. 🙂 A few ramblers wandered in. The brewery's Crusader Gold was pleasant if undemanding.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
🍺 JJ Crossfield's, Arnside Cumbria: which pub ticker doesn't love a 10am opener? Stone-walled bar with lovely view across top end of Morecambe Bay. Most customers were drinking coffee when I arrived; I was straight on the Lancaster Hay-maker.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
🍺 Greyhound, Halton, Lancs: comfortable, extensive pub in a village north of Lancaster. Good mix of customers. Bloke spots my Good Beer Guide and asks if I'm doing all the pubs. The seasonally appropriate Splish Splash from the localish Farm Yard brewery is thick and fruity; Keats might approve.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
🍺 Old School Brewery, Warton, Lancs: in the far north of the county, rustic brewery tap in a converted barn, once adjacent to a school. Marquee outside with woodchip on floor. Mature male clientele, with a few yappy dogs. Friendly service. The brewery's Headmaster is a touch too malty for my palate.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ Staines Reservoirs today: the islands exposed by draining of the south basin drew in migrating waders, including Little Stint, Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Greenshank. Also two Black Terns on the north basin, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail and many Swallows and House Martins along the causeway.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
🐦‍⬛ Wandle Meadow this morning: migratory warblers aplenty on the local patch, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler in amongst the usual Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. Also nice to have a Hobby and a Little Egret fly over.
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Met Office - weather and climate @metoffice.gov.uk · 01/09/2026
Summer 2026 is provisionally the UK’s warmest summer on record with the season’s mean temperature made around 130 times more likely due to human-induced climate change. Here, we delve into the numbers 🧵
Mean temperature for 2026 in the UK. The map shows widely above average temperature, particularly in the south. Rainfall amounts in summer 2026 in the UK compared to average. The maps shows widely dry conditions, though the west of Scotland is slightly wetter than averageSunshine duration in summer 2026 compared to average. The map shows widely sunny conditions in the season, with the south of the country particularly sunny.
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Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Climate breakdown is all-pervasive and affects the solid Earth as well as the atmosphere and oceans We ignore this at our peril Read my latest piece in @theguardian.com 🙂 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Nepal and Tibet flood is a warning: melting snow and ice will bring more disasters around the world | Bill McGuire
In Alaska, the Himalayas, the Andes, Greenland, and perhaps also the Alps, deadly chain reactions are just waiting to be triggered, says climate professor Bill McGuire
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
⚽️ Sutton Utd 0 Wealdstone 2: down to earth with a bump as we drop our first points of the season. We started both halves indifferently (a somewhat makeshift defence not helping), our late pressure producing only a shot against the goalframe and a great save from their keeper. Now 2nd.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
⚽️ Hear Mike, Rory and I drop the top latch on Gateshead then roll forward to Wealdstone.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
🍺 Enigma Tap, North Shields: airy micropub with resident black cat, said creature featuring in some local b&w photos around the walls. Cracking ale range; the Three Kings Dark Side of the Toon is beer of the day.
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
🍺 Seven Stars,North Shields: ultra-traditional pub with carpet that begs approval from @stymiesi.bsky.social. A few mature customers in. Hop Chuck from the local Three Kings brewery is solid (not literally).
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Mark Bravery @markbravery.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
🍺 Left Luggage Room, Monkseaton, Tyne & Wear: borderline micropub in the former (you've guessed it) left luggage facility at the station. Cool, high-ceilinged drinking space, about half of the customers women. The Big Walk 2025 is not one of Thornbridge's finer efforts.
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