A few highlights from a far too brief walk through the National Trust managed Scratch Arse Ware in mid July. With Jake for company not an afternoon for a large camera and lens. Musk Thistle Pyramid Orchid Wild Carrot. Unusually no sign of any Carrot Broomrape this year – probably Read More …
Author: admin
They Might Be Giants
The unwelcome sight of Giant Hogweed growing in the central reservation of Princess Parkway just south of the junction with the M60. Why unwelcome? Unfortunately Giant Hogweed is one of the few highly toxic plants capable of causing blistering, severe burns, and even blindness. Highly Read More …
Alien Encounter
A return to the sand dunes of the Lancashire coastline. Amazing to see the sheer diversity of plants and insects. Amongst the more common native plants an interesting selection of aliens. These include several naturalised garden escapes with the Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea being particularly striking. Read More …
Ainsdale Dunes
A few highlights from the sun-drenched Ainsdale Dune. Incredible how warm it can be when the heat starts to radiate back from dunes. Perfect conditions for the emergence of White Satin Moths on the Creeping Willow within the slacks. Probably a bit too warm for Read More …
Low Newton
A superb display of Thrift, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Cowslips and Sea Campion along the northern shore of Embleton Bay. All accompanied by the constant sound of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Oystercatchers. Just offshore a Grey Seal bobbed around in the Kelp with the occasional Arctic Read More …
Inner Farne
Following on from the visit to Staple Island we arrived at Inner Farne surprisingly quickly with the boat taking the direct route across Staple sound. Slightly disappointing that we didn’t go around the island before arriving however can’t really complain after the amazing close Read More …
Staple Island
Hard to believe its been 8 years since our last visit to Northumberland and the Farne Islands. With the forecast set fair we dropped Jake off at Tollfield Farm Kennels and made our way down to Seahouses “Gateway to the Farnes.” Upon arrival at the Read More …
Long Nanny
Sunshine, blue sky and a great walk around the stunning coastline of Beadnell Bay to visit the Tern colony. Just the one slight issue other than a vague description on the National Trust’s website I didn’t really know where I was going. Fortunately Arctic Terns aren’t known Read More …
Goyt Valley
One of several areas I really need to visit more often. The upper reaches of the River Goyt from Derbyshire Bridge dropping down through the moorland and wooded valley to the ruins of Errwood Hall is a superb area for bird watching. In addition to the more Read More …