Peacock butterfly nectaring on Willow catkins. In contrast to last month’s trip up north to Silverdale and Arnside on this occasion it was gloriously sunny. In fact, after 6 hrs in the sunshine I even managed to get slightly sunburnt. Great to see plenty of Read More …
Category: Flora
The Sands of Time
Ainsdale late March 2013. A remarkable and ever changing landscape. Normally the location for a late Spring/Summer visit. On this occasion it was an opportunity to escape the maddening crowds of Formby. Red Velvet Mite One of the tiny insects normally dismissed as a “money Read More …
National Treasure
Scots Pine growing in the limestone pavement at Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve. The dry conditions result in Pines and Ash trees that typically grow extremely slowly. Naturally stunted many of these trees are several hundred years old. Primrose – the foodplant for the caterpillars Read More …
Wild Daffodils and Green Hellebores
Wild Daffodils also known as the Lent Lily at Far Arnside, Cumbria Growing in the woodland floor adjacent to the cliffs Even occur in the limestone pavement exposed on the shore Mermaid’s Purse, one of the more common objects typically found along the shoreline. Read More …
Autumn Glory
Some of the more uncommon plants to be found in bloom in Dorset during September. Dorset HeathNative to the bogs and wet heaths of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall this one was found flowering on Coombe Heath. Unfortunately like most of the heathland specialists historically its Read More …
Fly Orchids
Closely related to Bee Orchids and the rare Early Spider Orchid there’s several well established colonies of Fly Orchids in the limestone pavements and woodlands around Morecambe Bay. Pollinated by the male Digger Wasp (very definitely not a fly) the orchid relies upon scent to Read More …
Beacon of the Bog
A mire on East Creech Heath complete with rafts of Sphagnum moss. Bog Beacon A saprotrophic, or recycler fungus growing on dead moss. Helps to fulfil a vital role in this area of nutrient deficient bog by breaking down the remains and releasing nutrients Read More …
Nightjars and Parasites
Arne at dusk. A superb area for watching and listening to the amazing Nightjar. Unfortunately despite there being at least 3 birds flying around hawking for moths, churring and wing clapping it was just too dark to attempt a photograph. A real highlight of Read More …
Durlston Country Park
An outstanding and relatively unspoilt country park in Swanage. Even at weekends the park remains relatively quiet. In addition to seacliffs, former quarries, chalk downs and woodlands the park is a migration hotspot that frequently hosts many interesting birds varyig from Aquatic Warblers to Wrynecks. Read More …