A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
A spectacular area named after the rocky ledge of the former quarry on the outskirts of Langton Matravers. In Spring the chalk downs above the seacliffs are home to 75% of the UK population of Early Spider Orchids, in addition it’s the most southerly breeding Read More …
Great to discover a small clump of Devil’s Bit Scabious whilst out with the gorgeous and excitable Jake – (description c/o Manchester Dog’s Home). 150 years ago Devils Bit Scabious, Green Winged Orchids, Adders Tongue Ferns, Moschatel etc. were relatively common on the floodplains of Read More …
Unusually this year Autumn seems to have arrived right on cue. Certainly no sign of an Indian summer. Several groups of Autumn Crocus are now in flower along the Mersey Valley. The most reliable spot appears to be where Chorlton Brook joins the Mersey at Read More …
A bit of a catch up from a few weeks ago, 19th August to be precise. With it being a reasonably warm but breezy summer’s day we headed off down the M56 and A49 to Shropshire. Ideally I was hoping we’d catch up with the Read More …
After the recent downpours the weather gods finally smiled upon us and we decided to really push our luck and head up north to Leighton Moss. Leighton Moss is a deservedly popular RSPB reserve located in one of the most wildlife rich areas of the Read More …
A real hidden gem on the outskirts of Lowton, near Wigan and for at least the past 160 years the home to a colony of Marsh Gentians. See page 36 of Buxton’s Botanical Guide: Original text Unfortunately Baguley Moor the only other colony Buxton referred Read More …
A good year for the local Orchids. Initially there was 23 flower spikes developing from April onwards. 14 were mown out by the Mersey Valley Warden Service/Manchester City Council with all but 1 of the remaining 9 developing and coming into flower over the past Read More …
A quick reminder for next time – AVOID VISTING AT WEEKENDS The quarry is a superb, wildlife reserve managed by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Unfortunately it’s adjacent to the Monsal Trail – a former railway line now used for speed testing mini motorbikes. The noise bouncing Read More …
A quick trip to the seaside. Parked up by the beach at another place home to Anthony Gormley’s Iron Men and took a stroll north towards Altcar. In 2007 there was a colony of approximately 140 Bee Orchids around the pumping station with many being Read More …