A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Wow, by the time we finally returned to the visitor centre it was ridiculously hot and the lure of the hotel swimming pool had grown even stronger. Plenty of Clouded Yellows and the occasional Swallowtail feeding on the Scabious. Continuing towards the Gran Canal apparently Read More …
Phew……. an early start and it’s still scorching – far too easy to underestimate the size of the S’Albufera. Although we’ve visited before in May and September it was still a surprise to feel the heat building up so quickly in early June. Coupled with Read More …
Just before 6.30am and a Purple Heron appears on the edge of the pool. Moving slowly towards us with eyes fixed on its prey suddenly it strikes trapping a young Eel in its bill. The Eel wraps itself around the heron’s bill in a bid Read More …
Padley Gorge, Derbyshire One of our favourite springtime walks. On a quiet day in mid-May its not too difficult to imagine Ents roaming the ancient Oak & Birch woodland. The almost mystical atmosphere is further enhanced by the waterfalls and presence of the uncommon Redstart Read More …
A few highlights from a visit to Arnside Knott Pearl bordered Fritillary. The earliest of the fritillaries to emerge and typically found in woodland clearings and at Arnside Knott – rough, south facing hillsides. Highly threatened it’s unlikely to be confused with any of Read More …
Wow, late February and storm Emma collides with the Beast from the East. As most of the country ground to a halt a few isolated flakes gently fluttered down on south Manchester. Ignoring the red weather warning and the closure of the local primary school we Read More …
A day off work and another dilemma. Leighton Moss RSPB or checking out a few sites around the edge of Morecambe Bay for something more unusual. M6 just north of Lancaster and junction 34 appeared. Lancaster, Kirkby Lonsdale, Morecambe, Heysham it was time for a Read More …
A few highlights from a recent visit to Fletcher Moss Gardens and Stenner Wood. Plenty of fungi growing on the piles of dead wood left around the wood following the felling of last year’s storm damaged trees. The route through the woodland was slightly precarious. Read More …
After what seems like one of the wettest winters for years the clouds finally parted long enough to make the trip up to the upper Derwent Valley and a search for Parrot Crossbills. I’d like to say I’m 100% convinced this is a male Parrot Read More …