A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
A fine start to the day with the unmistakeable song of a Yellowhammer singing close to Dancing Ledge quickly followed by a family of Stonechats. In the haymeadow surprising to see several stems of Common Broomrape. Normally as a parasite it’s fairly clear which is Read More …
I suspect this is an unusual hybrid between the Early Spider Orchid and the Bee Orchid. It didn’t appear to have any of the vigour typically associated with hybrids however on the thin soil on top of the sea cliffs the majority of plants appear Read More …
And here’s Humphrey …….. well actually a male Slow-worm on the campsite just before we left for Humphrey Head. Really impressed with Humphrey Head, although a relatively small area of limestone jutting out into the Kent Estuary on an incoming tide there was plenty of Read More …
34028 Eddystone approaching Corfe Castle Train Station I’ll be honest I’m not a railway buff however I do appreciate a good old fashioned Steam Train. Likewise the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers who have made the Swanage Line a success. Great to Read More …
Peregrine on the cliffs at Durlston Country Park. A myriad of Greater Knapweed, Wild Carrots, Yarrow, Rough Hawkbit amongst the meadows. Distinctive flowers and seedheads of the Wild Carrot amongst a sea of Greater Knapweed. No shortage of Bees at Durlston. The sheer number of Read More …
A couple of horses at the entrance to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Kilwood Coppice. Normally found grazing in an adjacent field somebody had left the gate open and the horses decided the grass is greener on the other side. With areas of coppiced woodland, heathland, bogs Read More …
Blue skies, warm sunshine and walking through a hay meadow in mid July. Great to be back down south and at Durlston Country Park on the outskirt of Swanage. I’ve often wondered if the traditional hay meadow as described by Prince Charles, David Attenborough etc. Read More …
Early Marsh Orchid, Barlow Tip – the most widespread and variable marsh orchid. Southern Marsh Orchid at Kenworthy Wood. Closely related to the Early Marsh Orchid with hybrids being relatively common. In general the hybrids tend to be stronger growing than the species and can Read More …
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 …