A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
View looking east over England’s deepest lake towards Scafell Pike – our highest mountain. Strange to think that around 450 million years ago the Scafell massif was an active volcano and part of the lost continent of Avalonia. The infamous Wastwater Screes. Extending below Illgill Read More …
Bird’s Eye Primula , Gait Barrows. A few highlights from a late Spring visit to Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve. Surprising to see the extent of the “improvements” with boardwalks replaced, trees felled and scrub cleared …. Read More …
Another fine day for a stroll along the beach. On this occasion a stretch known as Blue Anchor heading east up towards Watchett. Interesting to note the geological fault with the red Triassic mudstone (250-200 million years ago) contrasting sharply with the grey coloured interbedded Read More …
Approaching the Valley of the Rocks from the coast path. Although it looks like a nice day we could barely stand up with a south-westerly gale blowing in straight from the Atlantic and onto the 500ft high cliff face immediately below. With the dry valley Read More …
East Quantoxhead the nearest parking spot to Klive Beach and the South-West Coastal Path. Great to see a duckpond especially when its complete with a duckhouse – the sign of a real village! A short stroll took us through the fields and down towards the Read More …
Porlock Weir, the former home to Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Worthy Combe Toll Lodge Fairy Tunnel, Ashley Combe House former home of Ada Byron. The tunnels date back to 1835 and the construction of the Italianate gardens. Presumably built to allow the 1st Earl Lovelace and Read More …
Thunderstorms moving up the Bristol channel With lockdown lifted time for a change of scenery and a few days based on a campsite on the edge of Exmoor. Ancient woodland at North Hill, on the edge of Exmoor just outside of Minehead A sure sign Read More …
A few photo’s from a trip up to Horner Wood. Following a morning of torrential downpours we didn’t have particularly high hopes as we headed inland and up into the wilds of Holnicote Estate. The first problem was getting there. As we rounded a corner Read More …
River Mersey close to Chorlton Water Park A new dawn arrives. Mid February we’re still in lockdown but I’ve been jabbed and finally it feels like winter is beginning to lose its grip. Mica inkcaps in Kenworthy Wood The first daffodils appearing in Kenworthy Wood. Read More …