Dave Throup
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davethroup.bsky.social
Dave Throup
@davethroup.bsky.social
Rainfall distribution has been very uneven over the last week. Some SW parts have seen well over 100mm, while central areas very little if any.

After a few more unsettled days (where rain will mainly fall over the same areas) it’s likely to turn much drier again till month end.
April 19, 2025 at 12:54 PM
On the floods special

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
February 12, 2025 at 11:13 PM
The acceleration of heating is very worrying.

If you calculated when the 1.5° target will be breached on a 30 year trend in 2005 it would have been 2040.

If you project it from current trend it will be over 10 years earlier in 2029.

apps.climate.copernicus.eu/global-tempe...
February 7, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Unusually, January was colder than average, when compared to the last 30 year climate.

However, it would have been entirely normal if we compare it with 1961-90 values.

Shows how fast things are changing.
February 4, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Met Office three month outlook suggesting a considerably greater chance than normal of mild, wet and windy conditions to dominate, particularly during February & March.

Impacts from successive Atlantic storms more likely than normal.
January 28, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Yes fog considerably lower today - as seen in these 2 from North Hill
January 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Another very decent day above the freezing fog on the Malverns.

Fog level was considerably lower than the December display - around 140m today, 350m in December.
January 11, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Very timely study published today on the increase in whiplash climate events as a result of global heating.

These are rapid transitions from drought to flood and vice versa. They’ve already increased by 50% and projected to double in future.

www.nature.com/articles/s43...
January 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Floodwater rapidly turning to ice in Worcester
January 9, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Worcester’s new Kepax Bridge is magnificent.
January 7, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Very
January 7, 2025 at 9:16 PM
4th large flood of the season today in Worcester.
January 7, 2025 at 9:00 PM
One of those special days on the Malvern Hills.

Temperature inversion and fog.
December 27, 2024 at 11:19 PM
Some remarkable sights on the Malverns this afternoon.

When I was there inversion level was about 350 metres. Photo taken on top of Pinnacle Hill at 357m and the only thing poking out of the fog south of the Wyche Cutting.

5°C in the fog, I reckon 12°C above it.
December 27, 2024 at 8:03 PM
Very nice Worcestershire sunset as the mist was rising
December 24, 2024 at 6:48 PM
2024 saw multiple heat and rainfall records across the UK as the atmosphere continues to warm primarily due to human carbon emissions.

2025 will undoubtedly see more.

www.metoffice.gov.uk/blog/2024/re...
December 24, 2024 at 9:27 AM
In summary, this site has delivered almost none of the promised environmental outcomes after 8 years.

Yes, it looks quite nice and provides useful green space but the only real benefit to wildlife is the developing area of scrubland as a result of zero maintenance!
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM
Wetland bits.

A green drainage scheme was constructed but does not function as a wetland. Levels are all wrong. Bone dry 95% of the time, occasional ponding in extreme rainfall.

No chance of ever being a functional wetland area.
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM
Trees

5 of the original 25 standard trees specified on the plan survive.

Three maples in the eastern corner give a glimpse of what could have happened with some maintenance. Nice informal clump with thriving native shrubs beneath.
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM
Woodland planting areas.

Nope

Not had any maintenance since planted. All planted trees have died, some shrubs survive but bramble encroachment is extensive. Some self set sycamores thriving.

Almost impossible to access now!
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM
Wildflower area.

Nope.

A few early attempts were made to mow it but not in the last 5 years. Brambles, perennials and some woody shrubs rapidly turning it into scrubland.

Not bad habitat but definitely not wildflower meadow promised which needs specific management.
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM
A very nice seating area with nicely trimmed native shrubs and stunning views of the Malverns. Again, very well used by locals.

And then there’s the path to nowhere. No idea why but it was on the plans so they did it!

So far so good.

But …
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM
So 8 years or so later, how have we done?

There is a nice area of amenity grass, well used by local kids and dog owners and regularly mowed (whether it needs it or not).

Well manicured perimeter hedge.
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM
In short the main commitments were

an area of amenity grass
benches, paths and viewing area
a wildflower area
areas of woodland tree planting and feature trees
a sustainable drainage scheme with wetland plants
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM
As with any significant development, a huge amount of plans accompanied the planning application, including detailed proposals for landscaping and environmental works.

These included detailed drawings and schedules of work.
December 18, 2024 at 5:37 PM