Sign in

Rachel Withey

@rachellwithey.bsky.social
331 followers 458 following 126 posts

Interested in nature, active travel, better streets, rewilding, reading, politics, history and much more. Happiest outside. Live in Brum. With work hat on interested in research strategy and delivery, particularly within the social sciences.

PostsRepliesMedia
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I think doable. It’s v steep at the beginning so prime for that but after that you’ve got a lot of options re whether you go round or over hills and how soon you come down.
110
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Excellent. Will try that next time
000
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
And home from Great Malvern to avoid too much back tracking while walking. Also v good book shop!
Outside of a shop with sign saying Malvern BookshopTrain station with sigh saying Great Malvern
010
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
And up in the hills
Photo of Malvern Hills. Worcestershire Beacon
110
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
About 20 mins walk to get to the north end of Malvern Hills
Tree lined roadView of trees and countryside in the distance
100
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
45 mins to Malvern Link station. Can see the hills!
Malvern Link train station with hills in the background
110
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Back trying to get from Birmingham to nice countryside walks via public transport Today off to Malvern Walked to University of Birmingham train station and caught the train to Malvern Link
Outside of University of Birmingham train station Train platform with arrivals board showing details of train going towards Hereford
370
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
This thread really resonates. I grew up in Weymouth. I spent a lot of my childhood swimming or messing about in boats. I knew people in the lifeboat crew. I remember the Penlee lifeboat disaster so clearly. How can you think the RNLI is anything but the most miraculous organisation?
011
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Flags have been gone from my bit of Brum for a few weeks now. Pleased to see that the stickers remain. #Birmingham #Brum #HopeNotHate
Photograph of a sticker that says “Ignore the flags you are loved and welcome here”
060
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Via Greenpeace As schools shut and people struggle to do the everyday things - sleep, travel, move around - this is what we should all be focusing on.
Screenshot of a Greenpeace Instagram post that says “this is the coldest summer of the rest of your life”
021
Reposted by Rachel Withey
The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 07/05/2026
📢 Polling stations are now open! 📢 Want to replace the failing Labour Party and defeat the hateful message of Reform? Get yourself down to your local polling station and vote Green today! Every vote counts. Make sure your voice is heard 💚 Don’t forget your Photo ID for voting in England!
Vote Green Poster by Artist Raissa Pardini - Vote Green - Join for a real change, real hope.
28955455
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Voted Off to spend the day encouraging likely Green Party voters to do the same If you’re in #Brum and you want to minimise the inevitable number of reform councillors announced on Friday please, please go and vote. It’s one of those elections where every vote is really going to make a difference
020
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Made me laugh over on Instagram courtesy of Uk Transport Department
Text on top of a picture of a bus reads: 
Stop using anti transport language 
Instead of “you’ve thrown me under the bus” 
try saying “buses are wonderful at building communities and you’ve behaved poorly in comparison”
030
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Better Streets for Birmingham @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org · 07/04/2026
With three new rail stations on the Camp Hill line and two tram stops on the Eastside extension open in the last few days, we're taking the opportunity to ask for more stops please!
Graphic that says "More stops please!" on station and stop name style signage.
12014
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
So sorry to hear this John. Hope it heals quickly. So much to do to make Birmingham a safer city for cyclists 😢
010
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Find out more about energy efficient travel and safer streets from @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org
Image saying “Change lane to escape the global energy crisis.” Includes weekly running costs for a car - £108, bus pass - £20 and walking or cycling - free
011
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Jim Hawkins @jimallthetime.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
@knittingcultlady.bsky.social Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a protest against Nazi occupation of their country All proceeds from the sale of this pattern go to local immigrant aid organizations who support those impacted by the actions of ICE payhip.com/b/TqQL1
payhip.com
Melt the ICE Hat Pattern
In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal...
34319
Reposted by Rachel Withey
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Their demands are reasonable, their treatment is disgraceful. The government's intransigence is killing the #PalestineAction hunger strikers. Just as its complicity has assisted the genocide in Gaza. It needs to wake up right now to the moral consequences. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Two Palestine Action-linked hunger strikers taken to hospital
MPs and next of kin of prisoners Amu Gib, 30, and Kamran Ahmed, 28, call for immediate government intervention
19555261
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Lev Parikian @levparikian.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Every year I stop myself from posting “now look here you lot, my books would make an excellent Christmas present” in October because it’s way too early, and then I forget until it’s way too late. Hope I’ve hit the sweet spot this time. levparikian.com/index.php/sh...
The cover of Taking Flight. Stylised illustrations of a selection of flying things against a pastel background of blues and greens.The cover of Light Rains Sometimes Fall. A pastel collage of seasonal urban nature (cherry tree in blossom, magpie, swifts, autumn leaves, urban fox etc).A cope of Into The Tangled Bank (its cover a collage of nature things (butterfly, flowers, birds, binoculars etc) nestled (yes, NESTLED) in leaves and grass.The cover of Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear? White background, title etc and various quotes saying how brilliant it is. To the right the rear half of a goldcrest disappearing out of view (the back cover has the other half of the bird).
412567
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Not sure who our local graffiti artist is but I’m loving their work. #Birmingham #Brum #Harborne
Graffiti red writing on fence saying “Migrants Welcome” followed by a heart
050
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Congratulations. Amazing achievement and tribute. Have loved all the updates
010
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Good reminder to get some more printed up
130
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
Do donate if you have a little bit of spare money and follow for great cycling tour updates Tim style. Slow pace, great scenery, great food and drink
041
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
I’m really enjoying all the updates Anna. Much as I used to enjoy Tim’s. Have a fab day. Have fun @shivajishivalaw.bsky.social
230
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
This Friday Brummies. Please come #Birmingham #Brum #BetterStreets
Flyer for road safety emergency event in Birmingham this Friday, 1 August.

Describes gathering on Friday outside council house, Victoria Square at 5.00/5.30  to meet to reflect on road safety emergency in Birmingham followed by Circle the City ride at 6.00.
032
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Better Streets for Birmingham @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org · 06/06/2025
Only the led ride and counter aspects of the event will go ahead tomorrow. We've been watching the forecast and there's some pretty grim looking thunderstorms happening later in the afternoon that doesn't look like it would mix well with outdoor gazebos and bike checks.
CHANGES TO THE A38 CYCLE LANE EVENT
In response to the changing weather forecast:
• The led ride will still take place, leaving Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street at 1pm
• Let's still try to get the counter as high as we can!
• We have cancelled the stall and bike checks that were going to be in the UoB Green Heart
Over the coming weeks, we are expecting the consultation for the extension to Longbridge to launch on BirminghamBeHeard.org.uk - please do engage and support the project!
We will keep people updated on progress we make with the Kent Street partial closure and diversion.
168
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
Today!!
021
Reposted by Rachel Withey
A38 Mobility Lane Users 🚲🛴🦼🛹🛼 @a38cycleway.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
This Saturday we’re celebrating our cycle lane’s 6th birthday. • Led ride from Hippodrome Square to UoB via the Cycleway, leaving at 1pm • Help get the Sir Harry’s Road counter to 6,000 in a day • Free bike checks and minor repairs at UoB Green Heart, 1.30-4pm 💙
CELEBRATE OUR CYCLE LANE'S 6TH BIRTHDAY
This Saturday (7th June)
• Led ride along the cycleway leaving Hippodrome Square at 1pm.
• Help get the Sir Harry's Road counter to 6,000 in a day!
• Free bike safety checks at UoB Green Heart (by the Old Joe clock tower) between 1.30pm and 4pm.
043
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
I hadn’t heard that either. Only knew him from here and twitter but we exchanged some nice messages about west coast of Scotland and I loved his posts. Condolences to everyone who knew him and good luck with the memorial ride. Have fun
020
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Harborne critical mass postponed until last week in June
000
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
"Katwala's paradox of racism" In a demonstrably less prejudiced society (attitudes shifted, esp across generations), I am in receipt of much more racism Minorities in 2020s have more equal opps than ever before - esp at very top - yet an increasingly unequal experience of more equal opportunities
1426967
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Swifts have lost more than half their population in 20 years. A simple brick in new builds could help save them. Labour used to support this – now they’re planning to backtrack. Sign the petition now to show them the public still backs this nature-friendly fix: act.38degrees.org.uk/act/swifts-p...
act.38degrees.org.uk
Sign the petition: Save Our Swifts
Swifts have lost more than half their population in 20 years. A simple £35 brick in new builds could help save them. Labour used to support this – now they’re planning to backtrack. Sign the petition ...
14815
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Forgotten Poets @forgottenpoets.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
. "You who filled every morning with rush and chaos..." —Khaled Juma #poetry #poem #poems
Oh Rascal Children of Gaza
by Khaled Juma

Oh rascal children of Gaza.
You who consistently disturbed me
with your screams under my window.
You who filled every morning
with rush and chaos.
You who broke my vase
and stole the lonely flower from my balcony.
Come back,
and scream as you want
and break all the vases.
Steal all the flowers.
Come back . . .
Just come back . . .
0227
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Ross Greer (he/him) @ross-greer.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
In just one week 40,000 people have demanded that Scottish Government Ministers recall and reject the Flamingo Land mega-resort application! Send your message to the Planning Minister today 👇 greens.scot/LochLomond
greens.scot
Save Loch Lomond - TAKE ACTION NOW
Save Loch Lomond - TAKE ACTION NOW -
45834
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
WTF? If this Government can’t even agree to this smallest of initiatives, which has no cost to them & absolutely no down-sides, what hope that it will step up to the bigger nature challenges we face? This is a *popular* policy, for heavens sake. Obstinate tin-eared stupidity doesn’t come close …
theguardian.com
Labour blocks proposal for ‘swift bricks’ in all new homes
MPs had previously backed Conservative amendment to ask developers to provide hollow bricks for endangered birds
46884370
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Birmingham folks - Critical Mass comes to Harborne on Sunday 1 June. Come and enjoy riding in a big group. All welcome. Please share #Birmingham #Brum #Harborne #Cycling #CriticalMass
Poster for critical mass ride with logo of bike and fist combined and details of the ride. Sunday 1 June, 15:00 meet outside WH Smith on the High Street. Harborne.
142
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Better Streets for Birmingham @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org · 15/05/2025
We're pleased to announce our first monthly public meeting for Northfield constituency will take place on Tuesday 10th June at 7pm in the NAF Shop on Northfield High Street. They will take place every second Tuesday of the month. ‼️ Save your place: actionnetwork.org/events/bsfb-...
actionnetwork.org
What would make your street better? Come and talk about it on Tuesday 10th June
Come to Better Streets for Birmingham's monthly public conversation: What would make your street better?
134
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
I left a few years ago and joined the Green Party. No regrets, Labour Party feels so far from where I’d like it to be atm
010
Reposted by Rachel Withey
Leo Murray @crisortunity.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Meanwhile
1123
Reposted by Rachel Withey
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
Here's JSO's short cut of my protest rant on Politics Live. www.youtube.com/shorts/L_93v...
youtube.com
"They Cannot Tolerate Challenges to Wealth and Power" | George Monbiot | BBC Politics Live #shorts
YouTube video by Just Stop Oil
45662258
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Our self seeded hawthorn tree is flowering this year for the first time. From what I’ve read it should just get more and more flowery as it get older. What a joy.
Hawthorn tree with flowers on upper branches Close up of Hawthorn flowers.
040
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Would definitely recommend. And great to hear that public transport is your main way of getting to hiking routes. Good inspiration for me to do it more.
040
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Excellent. Hope you have a great day out. Interested to hear about any good routes you find, hoping to do much more of this going forward
110
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
The High Peak bus service and the Derwent Valley Railway both go through Derby and seem to be really good routes out to great walking spots. Loads of walkers on both
120
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
We started at Cromford Mill.
010
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
@shivajishivalaw.bsky.social see above
110
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Malvern v easy. Get off at Malvern Link. I went to the Peak District yesterday and put some details if the journey in here. Might be a longer journey than you want but it was a lovely day.
110
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
7. And now heading home via the v busy Derwent Valley Railway train to Derby
Sign for Derwent Valley Railway with picture of train, mill, river and cable car
000
Rachel Withey @rachellwithey.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
6. Lovely day walking
View of fields and hills.
000