A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Woorgreens Nature Reserve – adjacent to Speech House Woodlands in the Forest of Dean. Great to see nature slowly reclaiming a former, open-cast coal mine. A deceptively quiet site that I suspect would be better appreciated with more regular visits and on-site interpretation. Containing Read More …
Lady Park Wood – unmanaged, ancient woodland. There’s something magical about waking up in an ancient woodland in early May. With Roe Deer grazing in the field next door, the occasional grunt of a wild Boar, and a dawn chorus to die for camping in Read More …
Green-winged Orchids at Clarke’s Pool Meadow, Gloucestershire A newly emerged Small Copper Butterfly Although somewhat variable in colour the “normal” Green-winged Orchid tends to be purple complete with green veining on the “wings”. A slightly paler version Note the green veining definitely one of the Read More …
Just across the estuary from Arnside a few highlights from a first visit to the peat bogs of Meathop Moss. One of the last remaining strongholds of the Large Heath Butterfly, in Spring the moss is better known for supporting large numbers of Green Hairstreaks Read More …
A few photos from an Easter Sunday walk around Jenny Brown’s point and Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve Great to see Forget-me-nots growing wild along the woodland edge The far more unusual Moschatel with its bizarre 5 faced flower. Also known as five-faced bishop and Read More …
A superb Black-crowned Night Heron at the S’Albufereta de Pollensa. Rarely seen feeding during daylight it really felt like a privilege to enjoy such a fantastic view. Even more so as the noise, hustle and bustle of the typical day had yet to begin. Plenty Read More …
Adult male (Billy Goat) casually enjoying a death-defying wander in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Located in the north western corner of Mallorca Puerto Pollensa is dominated by the mountains to the north with a relatively easy trail extending out of town and into 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 …