Helen Todd
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helenrambler.bsky.social
Helen Todd
@helenrambler.bsky.social
1.3K followers 680 following 370 posts
Retired in 2024 from Ramblers Scotland; Chair Planning Democracy; board member Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre; volunteer with Spokes; Hon Fellow Scottish Env LINK.
Interested in walking, cycling, mountains, Scottish politics, CND, climate change, gardening.
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Helen Todd
aprscotland.bsky.social
Today's announcement from NESO on grid prioritisation backs up our research launched last week on the over provision of battery storage in the planning system.

The data they shared with the announcement show just how much battery storage is clogging up the system (see table below).

thread ... 🧵
December 8, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
📈 #ClimateCrisis

Experts say "emergency-level action at wartime scale" needed

🙋 Sign petition to Media bosses
--> www.nebriefing.org

@nebriefing.bsky.social @edi.bike @profaliceroberts.bsky.social @tessakhan.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @threadinburgh.scot @2050climategroup.bsky.social
National Emergency Briefing on the climate and nature crisis On 27th November, ten of the UK’s leading experts briefed an invite-only audience of around 1,250 politicians and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media with the latest implications for health, food, national security and the economy. Sign the letter to Keir Starmer and broadcasters 81 MPs and 52 Peers signed up to attend, and many others arrived at the last minute without tickets. The scientists and other experts explained why the UK needs to take emergency-level action at a similar scale to that seen in wartime. A letter was read out by Olivia Williams, calling for a televised emergency briefing. Please sign using the above link. wording of letter to media organisations... 27 Nov 2025 Sir Keir Starmer; Tim Davie (BBC); Carolyn McCall (ITV); Jonathan Allan (Channel 4); Sarah Rose (Channel 5); Geraint Evans (S4C); and Dame Melanie Dawes (Ofcom) Today, hundreds of MPs, Peers, and leaders from business, faith, sport, and culture gathered in Westminster for a National Emergency Briefing. We were presented with the latest evidence showing that the United Kingdom must urgently prepare for a cascade of serious societal impacts. The rapidly escalating climate and nature crises are set to make the UK increasingly unrecognisable and dangerous, with extreme weather events, the risk of food shortages, price shocks, economic instability and rising geopolitical risks. We are deeply alarmed by the scale of fossil fuel–funded disinformation that has flooded Westminster and the media. The lack of public access to accurate, science-based information has created a vacuum which has been filled by polarised headlines designed to deny and delay action. Under the Communications Act 2003, all public service broadcasters must inform the public on major national and international issues. The UK has so far failed to meet these obligations. The Climate Change Committee has also urged the Government to provide trusted public information. We therefore ask the Government and all public service broadcasters to hold an urgent televised national emergency briefing for the public, and to run a comprehensive public engagement campaign so that everyone understands the profound risks this crisis poses to themselves and their families. If delivered urgently and truthfully, with ambition matching the scale of the crisis, this will not only ensure that the public is properly informed but will also offer the protection that knowledge and preparedness bring. Such a campaign will resonate with the public, opening up the political space for the action needed. We are not safe. This is an emergency. Now is the time for cour… Headshots of the speakers Expert Briefings Experts provided attendees with the latest assessments across all dimensions of the crisis, from food security to national security, and outline science-based pathways forward. New Scientist review of the event, with picture of california wildfire damage Emergency response needed to prevent climate breakdown, warn experts Scientists sounded the alarm on the dire consequences of continued inaction at a briefing in London, warning that we could be heading for "unprecedented societal and ecological collapse" By Michael Le Page 27 November 2025 Wildfires in California in January were intensified by climate change JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images Starvation, economic collapse, civil unrest and wars are among the risks we face if we don’t take decisive action to limit further global warming and preserve nature, leading experts in climate, food, health and security warned today in London. The National Emergency Briefing, an event organised by climate activists and researchers, was held to persuade political leaders of the need for urgent and drastic action on the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises.
December 7, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
danielsohege.bsky.social
A particularly good report by @zoejardiniere.bsky.social here on genuine ways in which to fix what is, objectively, a broken system. Hint, making life harder for migrants isn't the way to do it.
December 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
nickkempe.bsky.social
Plonking a plantation into what could be regenerating Caledonian Pinewood should not be allowed in Scotland let alone funded by scottish Forestry parkswatchscotland.co.uk/2025/12/04/t...
The legacy of BrewDog and Scottish Woodlands at Kinrara (2) - the Caledonian Pinewood on the Dulnain - parkswatchscotland
I have delayed this second post on the Lost Forest because I wanted to use what has happened at Kinrara to illustrate the arguments I and a number of others made in a paper published in the latest edi...
parkswatchscotland.co.uk
December 5, 2025 at 11:08 AM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Today in the Edinburgh Botanics - snowdrops! I admit I’m usually keen to see the back of winter, but this is at least a month too early. Scary stuff.
#climatechange
@thebotanics.bsky.social
A border in the Botanic gardens with snowdrops coming up showing white blooms
December 5, 2025 at 11:44 AM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Happy days from 2018, the Corbett Ben Tirran on a stunning bluebird day then struggling up the Munro Broad Cairn in driving snow - great fun!
redropescot.bsky.social Red Rope Scotland @redropescot.bsky.social · 4d
Our next trip is to Glen Doll, in the Angus Glens area of the #Cairngorms National Park. Our trip in 2018 was one of glorious blue skies one day and misty with snow falling the next - it's a great area to explore!
We have a programme of monthly weekend trips for 2026 - why not join us?
Two walkers in the distance in a snowy mountain landscape with more mountains beyond Two walkers on a snowy mountain plateau following a fence line almost submerged in snow, blue skies above Three walkers on a misty mountain summit standing by a cairn Three walkers in a snowy glen with hills and trees beyond, cloudy skies
December 4, 2025 at 2:16 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
I know highland cattle look attractive & are generally quite placid. But I regularly see people getting really close for photos in the Pentlands.
I always give these cattle a wide berth - am I too feartie? Perhaps a few cautionary signs might help alert them to risks?
@ramblersscotland.bsky.social
A woman standing next to a cow while being photographed by a friend. Highland cattle in open grazings in the Pentland hills above Edinburgh. A rainbow in the cloudy skies.
December 3, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
aprscotland.bsky.social
If you prefer the long-form, intellectual approach , we're also doing a webinar this evening.
Battery Storage and Planning Webinar Registration - Action to Protect Rural Scotland
Please use this form to register for the Battery Storage and Planning Webinar on Wednesday 3rd December from 7.00pm –
aprs.scot
December 3, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
redropescot.bsky.social
We had a good walk last Saturday around North Berwick and up Berwick Law.
We aim to have a day walk each month. Next walk is Sunday 28 Dec, come and join us to start to burn off some of those mince pies!
Four people wearing winter walking gear standing on the top of Berwick Law. An overcast day, North Berwick and the sea in the background
December 1, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
walkhighlands.co.uk
This is a heads-up about fake AI accounts which have proliferated across social media.

The screenshot is from a genuine thread asking for advice on a mountain route; there are plenty of useful, real human replies.
The attempted reply (we stopped it) looks very real - but it is from an AI bot.
Screenshot showing rejected post with convincing text written by AI
December 1, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
nickkempe.bsky.social
How is a local place plan for Balloch possible with Flamingo Land still looming? Scotland's planning system betrays local communities at every step but real planning democracy is possible parkswatchscotland.co.uk/2025/11/28/p...
Planning democracy, the local place plan for Balloch and the forthcoming decision on Flamingo Land - parkswatchscotland
“The community-led Local Place Planning process for Balloch, Haldane, and Jamestown is now underway, and we want you to be part of it.  This is a chance for local residents, families, and businesses t...
parkswatchscotland.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
aileenmcharg.bsky.social
Two things stand out about this picture:

1. a political leader embracing rather than demonising asylum seekers;

2. the beautiful clothes the Afghan girls are wearing, and which they are free to show in public.
johnswinney.bsky.social John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 9d
It’s not where we come from that counts, it’s about where we’re going.

Great to meet Afghan Scots children at Maryhill Burgh Halls and hear a lovely rendition of Robert Burns.
November 29, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
#BudgetUK

👍 Two significant structural changes

1. Road-user charging principle accepted, #PerMile for EVs (FVs pay #FuelDuty)
2. Fuel duty inflation-link to restart after previous govt's freeze [EV charge also inflation-linked]

🤔 We'd have also liked..
1. #SUV charging
2. Tax/vat on #AviationFuel
Transform Scotland budget response... Transform Scotland‬ ‪@transform.scot‬ · 41m 🚗 UK Budget Response from Transform Scotland Transform Scotland spokesperson, Emilia Lauder, welcomes the Chancellor’s baby steps toward fairer motoring taxes. The new mileage-based charge for EVs and long-overdue changes to fuel duty finally move us closer to a 'polluter pays' system. ‪Transform Scotland‬ ‪@transform.scot‬ · 41m Replied to Transform Scotland But, Emilia says the Chancellor missed a major opportunity. SUVs - the UK’s heaviest, most polluting vehicles - remain untouched by tax reform. A Large Vehicle Levy could raise nearly £2bn a year to reinvest in public transport and address the damage these vehicles cause. Campaign for Better Transport response... Welcomes fuel duty inflation-link and rail fare freeze but wants tax on aviation fuel Road.cc welcomes Cycle to Work scheme will continue unchanged No change to Cycle to Work Scheme in Budget, Treasury confirms — despite reports spending cap would be introduced Reports hinted a spending cap would be re-introduced to the tax-relief scheme, but Cycle to Work Alliance "happy to confirm no changes" to scheme... by Callum Devereux UPDATED Wed, Nov 26, 2025 15:38 2 The Cycle to Work scheme has been left unaffected by the Chancellor's Budget despite reports suggesting a spending cap would be introduced, as confirmed by a Treasury spokesperson in an email to road.cc. Government sources had briefed the Financial Times leading up to the announcement that there would be a clampdown on “tax breaks for high earners riding £4,000 e-bikes in the Surrey Hills”. But no mention of the scheme was made in either the chancellor's speech, or the report from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), a Treasury-funded fiscal watchdog that leaked details of the Budget before Reeves made her announcement. It later apologised and said the report was released early due to "a technical error".
November 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
This is a great listen! As a daily reader of The National I’m very grateful it exists. It shines a light on many issues and perspectives missed by other mainstream media. And I love that the staff is so young and committed. All power to you, Laura! @lauraewebster.bsky.social
talkmedia.bsky.social Talk Media from thebiglight.com @talkmedia.bsky.social · 21d
We were delighted to welcome Laura Webster @lauraewebster.bsky.social , Editor of The National
@scotnational.bsky.social, onto Talk Media last week where she spoke to Stuart Cosgrove about the paper, the challenges facing print media and - of course - THAT huge BBC story.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
🌲 If buying a #ChristmasTree
get it delivered by #CyclingGardeners 🚲 #CargoBike

--> www.tollcrosstreeworks.com

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @tollcross-cc-edin.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social
Picture of xmas tree in Cycling Gardeners of Edinburgh Local Bike delivery £5.00 Description This service cost £5 and is available to anyone within 10 minutes cycle from our yard in Tollcross (Cycle time taken from google maps)
November 24, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
redropescot.bsky.social
A blast of the Arctic in the #Cairngorms on our trip to Milehouse at Kincraig last weekend. Good to practise using a group shelter before we went - fortunately didn't need it!
A fantastic day for everyone who went up Sgor Gaoithe or Mullach Clach a'Bhlair, but pretty challenging too! ❄️❄️
View across the Cairngorms plateau under blue and cloudy skies - snow and ice. An orange group shelter being demonstrated in a hostel dormitory, possibly 2-3 people inside it. Woman standing on the Cairngorms plateau, in snowy conditions under blue skies Walker on a snowy track on the Cairngorms plateau, snow covered moorland all around
November 22, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
#A701 'relief road' petition

--> pentlandhouse.com/cbxpetition/...

Spokes view--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info @shona-mcintosh.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @midlothiancan.bsky.social @thebonnieloon.bsky.social @mrjasonrose.bsky.social
Heading of the petition, plus picture of the fields to be built over Stop the £55 Million A701 Relief Road Target: 1000 Received: 537 53.7% The Issue Midlothian Council has submitted a £55 million plan (25/00521/DPP) for a “A701 Relief Road” — but the evidence shows it will make congestion and environmental problems worse, not better.
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
raptorpersuk.bsky.social
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn't tell even half the story.

Study included less than half (45%) of estates rearing & releasing non-native gamebirds. MSPs need to interpret results cautiously & appropriately.

raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn’t tell even half the story
In spring 2025, news emerged that the GWCT (Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust) was going to be conducting a pilot study to look at the number of non-native gamebirds (Pheasants & Red-legge…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:37 AM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Blue skies but a very cold wind in the Pentlands today. Enjoyed the snow! A taste of winter in mid-autumn. ❄️☀️🥾
Woman on an icy path running through moorland beside a wall, all covered in snow. Views of snowy mountains in the far distance A snowy path heading up to hills A view from the Pentlands hills across snowy ground to Bonaly reservoir and beyond to Edinburgh A man in hiking gear on a snowy hill in the Pentlands
November 19, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
caltonhill.bsky.social
ANGUS MILLER @geowalks.scot, the well-known geologist, is giving a programme about Calton Hill’s geology on Tuesday 25 November 18.00. entitled: 'WHERE'S THE VOLCANO? THE MAKING OF CALTON HILL'. Online/Zoom. Free public event. All welcome. Contact for info/ invitation. 1/
Volcanic rocks smoothed by the last glaciation, Calton Hill, Edinburgh
November 19, 2025 at 1:28 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Excellent event at @natlibscot.bsky.social to mark 50 years since the founding of SCRAM. I wasn’t there in 1975, but husband was involved in demos vs Torness nuclear power station, along with many others there today. Much was achieved, but nuclear - power and weapons - still on UK political agenda ☹️
Publicity for an event to commemorate 50 years since the founding of SCRAM, Scottish Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menace
November 18, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
treesforlife.bsky.social
JOB OPPORTUNITY: CALEDONIAN PINEWOODS PARTNERSHIP PROJECT MANAGER 🌲

Lead a partnership to restore Scotland’s iconic Caledonian pinewoods

Salary: Starting from £37,362
Hours: 35 hrs/pw, permanent
Deadline: 16 November

Apply now 👉 treesforlife.org.uk/about-us/wor...
📷Gus Routledge
November 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
redropescot.bsky.social
We're off on the train to North Berwick for our next day walk, Saturday 29 November. Why not join us? Non-members are welcome. A walk up Berwick Law, a circuit of Balgone Lake, with optional tea & scones at the end. More info and sign up details here:
forms.gle/bREVyRGQraKY...
Man standing above North Berwick on Berwick Law, looking down on the town and the sea, on a winter's afternoon.
November 17, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social
This evening, we’ll be sharing a very special collection of portraits at an event in the Scottish Parliament.

These beautiful photographs, taken by Angela Catlin, capture the strength, courage and resilience of people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.

1/2
November 18, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
edi.bike
🚲 edi.bike | issue 119 | 17th Nov '25

North-South Tram Extension Consultation Midnight Today, 17th Nov; Voi Bikes in Cycle Racks Update; November Transport & Environment Committee Round-up; plus events, infrastructure, route closures & more:

buttondown.com/edi.bike/arc...

#bikeSky #edinburgh
A group of around ten protesters stand under the sandstone arches of the City Chambers on a cold, wet Royal Mile, its pavements shining and reflective of the buildings opposite in the rain - the protestors hold up hand-painted clocks, a large hand-painted road name plate reading ‘Cowgate’, and a long vinyl banner that reads ‘Delays Cost Lives! Support Active Travel Now!’. They are being addressed by a middle-aged man dressed in black, carrying a black umbrella - the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson.
November 17, 2025 at 1:22 PM