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Mark French

@medwinfrench.bsky.social
177 followers 251 following 415 posts

Folk and roots music Architecture and place Natural environment Climate challenge '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding' - Nic Lowe

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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Had another visit from the Hummingbird Hawkmoth. This video is slowed to half-speed @inaturalist.bsky.social @recordlrc.bsky.social @mothiduk.bsky.social
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ChesterArchSoc @chesterarchsoc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
RIP Dai Owen, illustrator & peace campaigner, worked with National Trust, English Heritage, the Grosvenor Museum, Alan Garner, BBC, artist in residence at the Portico Library, Manchester, studied archaeology at Cardiff www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
Dai Owen obituary
Other lives: Chester-based illustrator who specialised in drawings for museum information panels
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Recommended listening for your Saturday morning. Three hours of great folk, roots, world music and more from #BlackDogRadio @bdrandy.bsky.social live on @mixcloud.bsky.social www.mixcloud.com/live/blackdo...
mixcloud.com
Black Dog Radio on Mixcloud Live
Broadcast live to your community of fans and tune in direct to creators from every genre
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The Emily Brontë rose just keeps on producing beautiful new blooms. This cluster containing six blooms at various stages of opening, is doing its best to look like a detail from a Pre-Raphaelite painting. #davidaustinroses
A cluster of pink and apricot blooms, at various stages of opening, hanging down from a stem on an Emily Brontë rose.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
View from the North West corner of Chester City Walls with the Chester-Holyhead railway line below, and beyond that the Raymond St road bridge crosses the Shropshire Union Canal as it turns North into Tower Wharf Basin. @heritagechester.bsky.social @transport-wales.bsky.social #canalandriverstrust
An elevated view from Chester City Walls. The Chester to Holyhead railway line is seen at the bottom of the photo, and the Raymond Street road bridge crosses over the Shropshire Union Canal in the middle of the picture. The canal widens here as it turns North into the Tower Wharf Basin beyond the bridge.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
High tide at Old Dee Bridge on the River Dee in Chester. The line of the weir is barely visible beneath the water's surface, but you can 'join the dots' between the birds perched in the shallow water along its rim.
View of the River Dee in Chester from the Old Dee Bridge.
The line of the weir that runs from bottom left to top right of the photo is  barely visible due to the high tide  covering it.
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Cat Frampton @catframpton.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I wrote a piece about pictures, land use and lies (or half truths) And the power a photo has in our ‘scroll on past’ social media world. sidecountry.co.uk/is-a-picture...
sidecountry.co.uk
Is a picture worth a thousand words? - SideCountry
I paused briefly on my way off the hill the other day and took a quick photo. It’s not my best work, I may be an artist but photos really aren’t my medium,
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John Reed Music 🎼 and Radio 📻 @johnreed.bandcamp.com · 04/09/2026
"Heritage" will be released at 6pm (UK) on 12th September at johnduncanreed.bandcamp.com so give us a follow over there. The album LIstening Party is on 5th September at 8pm and you can join us here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9J8... CDs available from 12th.
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Undiscovered Scotland @undisscot.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Wonderful Sandwood Bay in the far north-west of Sutherland, looking north towards Cape Wrath. It's a long walk in, but for sheer majesty and grandeur, there is simply nowhere that can beat it. More pics and info: www.undiscoveredscot... #Scotland #SandwoodBay #Sutherland #Beach
Sandwood Bay. The image shows a view over grass and dunes with a small figure in the bottom right to give the scene scale. The dunes become a broad sandy beach theat extends across the left centre of the frame with the sea beyond it and to the left. The sea is light turquoise and light blue in colour and there are waves breaking on the beach/ At the far end of the beach the ground rises to low cliffs which extend to the horizon. The scene is in sunlight.
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MꙬse Allain @mooseallain.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The Bayeux Tapestry demonstrates that it's worth embroidering a good story.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Is it Bandcamp Friday? Yes, it is! The good folk #Bandcamp waive their sales commission today, so buy some music and/or merch and help support artists to keep making the music you love 🎷🪗🎸🎹🎺🎻🪕🪉🎶🥁🎶💿🤗 isitbandcampfriday.com
isitbandcampfriday.com
Is it Bandcamp Friday?
Is it?
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Another beautiful bloom from Emily Brontë, by David Austin Roses. Sadly shortlived following a torrential downpours. #davidaustinroses
Beautiful pink and apricot bloom on an Emily Brontë rose, with an additional three flower buds surrounding it and ready to open.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Fascinating stories and great music, as you would expect from @jennbutterworth.bsky.social as she walks at Whithorn with @matthewbannister.bsky.social in the latest @folkonfoot.com podcast 🎶🥾🎧👇
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
The Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh building is a masterpiece. We need a full, faithful restoration with zero erosion of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s original design intent. If you agree, please add your name to the petition to help save 'The Mack': you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/fu...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Fully and Faithfully Restore ‘The Mack’
The Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh building is a masterpiece. We need a full, faithful restoration with zero erosion of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s original design intent. If you agree, please add...
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
It's #BandcampFriday so buy this fab 3-track EP from Shooglenifty today and what you pay goes to support the vital work of Medical Aid for Palestinians @medicalaidpal.bsky.social shooglenifty.bandcamp.com/album/bairn-...
shooglenifty.bandcamp.com
Bairn’s O Gaza -MAP EP, by Shooglenifty
3 track album
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Bandcamp @bandcamp.com · 07/08/2026
Buying music on Bandcamp = supporting artists. Today is Bandcamp Friday! For 24 hours, we waive our revenue share, so even more of every purchase goes to the artists and labels behind the music. Go forth. The music is waiting. bit.ly/4pX3JPz
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Steve Carter @shieldaig.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Torridon declared Scotland's newest national nature reserve. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Torridon declared Scotland's newest national nature reserve
It is the first since Glen Coe and Mar Lodge Estate were granted the status in 2017.
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John Reed Music 🎼 and Radio 📻 @johnreed.bandcamp.com · 07/08/2026
"Inheritance" was released in 2019, telling stories of ancestry, family, love and me, focused on an Eko E20 guitar I've owned since 1977...and it's still going strong. Today is #BandcampFriday johnreed.bandcamp.com/album/inheri...
johnreed.bandcamp.com
Inheritance - Album, by John Reed
11 track album
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
I’m helping save Coul Links. Will you? Coul Links is a beautiful and unique wildlife habitat in the Scottish Highlands. But is threatened once again with development. Join me and @rspb.bsky.social in urging Scottish Ministers to say no to this damaging application. action.rspb.org.uk/page/166270/...
action.rspb.org.uk
Save Coul Links!
Your voice could help save this precious habitat from a new threat of development.
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Folk London magazine @folklondon.co.uk · 17/07/2026
Barry Dransfield's work is part of this legal fight to reclaim the rights to classic folk albums, so please chip in a few pounds if you're able: www.gofundme.com/f/win-back-r...
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
There's a well camouflaged Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus) somewhere in this photo. @the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social @recordlrc.bsky.social
Common Field Grasshopper almost indistinguishable from the dry grass that surrounds it.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Beautiful second show from Emily Brontë #DavidAustinRoses
Soft pink blooms of an Emily Brontë rose, deepening to apricot in the centre.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Likely a tail feather from a Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) . "When seen close-up, its black plumage reveals a purplish-blue iridescent sheen to the wing feathers and a green gloss to the tail." @rspb.bsky.social
Beautiful iridescent green and purple sheen on a discarded Magpie feather.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Intrigued to notice this tiny but colourful moth resting on the ceiling. Submitted a record on @inaturalist.bsky.social app and it was identified as a Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata). No mint in the garden, but I learned later my better half had brought a bunch of mint home from her yoga session 🤔
A tiny moth (less than 10mm) with dark red/purple wings with yellow spots. Resting on a ceiling.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
It’s Swift Awareness Week! Sadly, the iconic Swift (Apus apus) dropped in numbers across the UK by over two thirds between 1995 and 2024. Find out more about this aerobatic species on our BirdFacts pages: www.bto.org/learn/about-... @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social
The caption says ' Swift Awareness Week.' An image of a Swift is shown. It is a black bird with scimitar shaped wings and a forked tail.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
I can empathise with this. May dad was always keen to discuss routes, and I still refer to a physical road atlas when planning a new journey 👇
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Helen #FBPE #NHS #ClimateCrisis 🇪🇺🇬🇧🇺🇦🏳️‍🌈💙 @heib20.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
This #StreetArt calls you to take part! A C21st ready-made photo backdrop!🤳 “The Viceroy Glass” by Bobby Rogueone depicts a woman holding a transparent glass, so a real person is able to pose inside the illusion!😊 Located behind The Viceroy Bar & Club, Paisley Road West, Glasgow!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #StreetArt🎨🫟
A street art depicting a painted woman holding a transparent glass where a real person is able to pose and be inside the artwork! Located in Glasgow!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
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Jacqui Kirk @genealgenie.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
#Familyhistory #localhistory #mininghistory www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
New online service opens access to centuries of coal mining history
A new digital resource released by the Mining Remediation Authority and the British Geological Survey enables communities to explore their local mining heritage.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
It's #NationalBloodDonorWeek (ends Sun 14th June) If you've not donated before, or are a prevous blood donor who's not given for a while, why not check your eligibility and book an appointment at your local donation centre soon? www.blood.co.uk #GiveBlood www.welsh-blood.org.uk/national-blo...
welsh-blood.org.uk
National Blood Donor Week 2026 - Welsh Blood Service
NBDW is where we raise awareness of the lifesaving importance of donating to encourage those who have never donated to give it a go.
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Architects' Journal @news.architectsjournal.co.uk · 10/06/2026
Architects and designers have presented proposals for regenerating the site of the Union Corner building in the centre of Glasgow, which was destroyed by a fire in March
architectsjournal.co.uk
Glasgow architects display regeneration concepts for fire-ravaged site
Glasgow architects display regeneration concepts for fire-ravaged site
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Steve Carter @shieldaig.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
30 years ago this month I went to Cuba to record some of my Salsa music. Probably the friendliest and most humble folk I have ever met. I hope they are coping in these difficult times. Here's a sample of some of the music I recorded ... and some of my photos from Havana. stevecarter.com/30mix.mp3
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Today is your last chance to vote for #BritainsFavouriteButterfly organised by Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social I voted for the Small Tortoiseshell, a familiar butterfly since my childhood: britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk/butterfly/sm...
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Bumblebee Conservation Trust @bumblebeetrust.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Your quick guide to help you tell apart the common bumblebees you spot this month 🐝👀 What bumblebees have you spotted recently?
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Check out the new single from @shirley-sings.bsky.social It's a lovely thing!🎶👇
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
This beautiful Emily Brontë rose came into full bloom today. A lovely present last October from my daughter, this is the first rose I have ever grown from bare root, and only the second rose I've planted (the first being a pot grown rose about 40 years ago!) #davidaustinroses
The large, almost flat, bloom of an Emily Bronte rose. Soft pink, deepening to rich apricot in the smaller central petals.
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Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
The mighty Peacock is steaming ahead in the race to be crowned #BritainsFavouriteButterfly with over 1,000 votes! 🥇🦋 With over two weeks left to vote, there's still everything to play for. Vote for your favourite 👉 britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk?utm_source=S... Illustrations by Richard Lewington
Britain's Favourite Butterfly leaderboard showing the Peacock in first, followed by the Orange-tip in second, Red Admiral in third, Holly Blue in fourth and Brimstone in fifth. Green vote now button at the bottom.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social 👇🐝
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Red-tailed Bumblebees nest in our bird box, but a moth hanging above the entrance @inaturalist.bsky.social ID'd as a parasitic Bee Moth that lays its eggs in bee nests whose larvae feed on the host eggs, larvae & pupae. Later 3 moths by nest entrance. Is this mating behaviour @mothiduk.bsky.social?
Red-tailed bumblebees around the entrance to a bird box containing their nest.Bee Moth hangingvfron the lid above the entrancec to a bird box containing a Red-tailed bumblebee nestThree Bee Moths on the lid above the entrance to a bid box containing a Red-tailed Bumblebee nest
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MꙬse Allain @mooseallain.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Everyone knows it was originally 'a norange' and 'a nuncle', but did you also know that it was originally 'a ninkjet printer'?
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
A fab turnout for the monthly acoustic session at the lovely Carlton Tavern in Handbridge, Chester. Great variety of instruments and mix of music genres. Sessions are the first Wednesday of every month 8-11pm. Such a joy to sing and play music with this welcoming and supportive bunch. #musicsession
A gathering of musicians playing a variety of instruments including guitars, double bass, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, saxaphone and flute in the lounge bar of The Carlton Tavern.A gathering of musicians singing and  playing a variety of instruments including guitars, double bass, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, saxaphone and flute in the lounge bar of The Carlton Tavern.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
It's #BandcampFriday, when @bandcamp waive their sales fee, so you can support artists to the max by buying their music and merch today. The next Bandcamp Friday is not until August, so don't hesitate: isitbandcampfriday.com
isitbandcampfriday.com
Is it Bandcamp Friday?
Is it?
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Enjoyed watching this Grey Heron fishing on the weir in Chester, while I was out and about recording observations for the @inaturalist.bsky.social #CityNatureChallenge last weekend. The heron was quite successful, even stealing a fish from the gulls, but I was too slow to capture the moment 📷
A Grey Heron standing with legs spread wide to brace itself against the water rushing over the weir on the River Dee in Chester.
Viewed from the Old Dee Bridge.A Grey Heron poised with head tilted ready to strike at any fish in the water rushing over the weir on the River Dee in Chester.
Viewed from the Old Dee Bridge.A Grey Heron standing in the water rushing over the weir on the River Dee in Chester.
Viewed from the Old Dee Bridge.
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Municipal Dreams @municipaldreams.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
🚨 New on BBC2: 'Set against the postwar period of debt, austerity and rationing, the 1951 Festival of Britain showed how to carve out a bright new future through design and ingenuity' ... www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
bbc.co.uk
BBC Two - The 1951 Festival of Britain: A Brave New World
Story behind the festival which showed how to carve out a bright future through design.
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Scottish Wildlife Trust @scotwildlife.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the City Nature Challenge! Spot some wildlife, snap a photo and share it on iNaturalist. You can find your nearest Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve over on our website: buff.ly/orIcD4a #CityNatureChallenge #CNC2026 #iNaturalist
A flyer advertising the City Nature Challenge 2026. The flyer includes the dates and details on how to participate.
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Recommended listening for your Saturday morning 📻🎶👇
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Marine Conservation Society @mcsuk.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Human‑made chemicals are harming your favourite marine wildlife. We’re determined to put a stop to it, but we need your help. For this week only, every donation will be doubled by our corporate funders - orlo.uk/5hhDW #EarthDay #EarthRaise
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
The Beluga XL flies directly over Handbridge as it circles Chester on its way to landing adjacent to Airbus UK East factory in Broughton, North Wales. So named for its resemblance to a Beluga whale, the aircraft transports wings made at Airbus to other factories around Europe. @airbus.com #bluesky
View of the Beluga XL aircraft as it flies low overhead, with clear blue sky above it.
The fuselage and distintictive nose shape resemble a Beluga whale.
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Claire Boardman @claireboardman.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
"Reject plans to change planning laws to weaken the protections in place for our National Parks."
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Mark French @medwinfrench.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
UK National Parks are under threat. Please sign the petition to help save them 👇 38d.gs/3jbw
38d.gs
Sign the petition: Save our National Parks
🚨 The Treasury is threatening our national parks. Dartmoor, the Lake District & wild places could be bulldozed for development. Once gone, they're gone for ever. Join me and sign now to protect them:
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