Related to the Stinkhorn the extremely rare Red Cage fungus found growing at Durlston Country Park. Also known in some parts of eastern Europe as Witches Heart it erupts from an “egg” like structure before collapsing in on itself 24hrs later. The partially collapsed remains Read More …
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Higher Hyde Heath
Sand Lizard (female) A few photographs from a far too brief visit to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Higher Hyde Heath reserve in late July. Black Darter (female) One of several also plenty of the blue males around. In general compared to previous years far fewer Dragonflies Read More …
Grub up
Following on from the heat of mid-week a day off work was the ideal opportunity to take a trip to the seaside. Torn between Ainsdale and Morecambe Bay we headed west to the sand dunes of Ainsdale National Nature Reserve. Upon arrival it was noticeable Read More …
Damsels and Dragons
Four Spotted Chaser – Westhay Moor NNR, Somerset. Black-tailed Skimmer soaking up the early morning sunshine on one of the droves at Westhay. Another Four Spotted Chaser with this one being close by at Ham Wall. Remarkable to see hundreds of Four Spotted Chasers sheltering Read More …
The Watlington Pigeon
Typical, whilst we have Feral Pigeons scavenging the streets of Manchester David Cameron and the other residents of Oxfordshire have to endure Red Kites. Perhaps at some point in the not too distant future the Welsh, Cumbrian and Yorkshire Kites will meet up over Manchester. Read More …
Bernwood Meadows
A spectacular display of Green winged Orchids and Meadow Buttercups in the traditionally managed Bernwood Meadows, Oxfordshire. Also 3 Cuckoos calling from the adjacent woodland. The “standard” purple form of the Green winged Orchid. Great to see that for once the Victorians chose an appropriate Read More …
Homefield Wood…..and some more Red Kites.
“The soldiers are at home in their fields.” The cryptic message sent on a postcard from Richard Fitter and Frances Rose upon the discovery of a colony of Military Orchids at Homefield Wood. Considered extinct the Military Orchid became a Holy Grail for Read More …
Red Kites and Watercress
One of the Chiltern’s Red Kites. A magnificent bird but unfortunately on this occasion the bright overcast conditions doesn’t make for a great photograph. Watercress Beds at Ewelme. Looking rather leggy the Watercress is no longer grown for market and the beds are now managed Read More …
Hartslock
Highlights from a visit to one of the country’s premier sites for Orchids whilst spending a few days down in the Chilterns. A small part of the “Orchid Slope.” Monkey Orchid. Unfortunately the chances of seeing one of these in the north of England is Read More …