A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
One of only three locations where the rare Military Orchid can be seen. For many years considered to be extinct the clearance of woodland during World War II revealed a number of glades and former meadows. By 1977 a total of six plants had been Read More …
In common with other species of Broomrape the roots penetrates the host’s tissue and draws nutrients from it. With no need for chlorophyll the Broomrape lacks green pigment and the leaves have been reduced to withered brown scales. Key features that help to separate Carrot Read More …
A few highlights from rambling around the chalk and limestone downs of the Isle of Purbeck with Jake. A large camera, long lens and a Border Collie bouncing around on the end of a lead has never been a good idea. The majority of the photo’s Read More …
With up to 80 separate populations across southern England the Wall Lizards are far more mobile and active than either the Common or Sand Lizard. In our normally cool, damp climate they’re restricted to sun drenched rock faces and cliffs. Certainly wouldn’t last long in Read More …
Despite its tiny size this unusual fungi is unmistakeable in the dark shady areas of Dorset’s mires and bogs. Feeding off the remains of mosses and algae the fruiting bodies emerge from the depths to be held just above the water. This particular group was Read More …
Adder’s tongue fern growing amongst the downland at Durlston Country Park. Unusual amongst ferns in having just the 1 leaf blade that emerges between April and June Botfollowed by a spore stalk that is supposed to resemble an Adder’s tongue. On this occasion despite this Read More …
Orange-tip – Kenworthy Wood, Northern Moor (opposite Chorlton Water Park) A quick catch-up from St George’s Day and a sunny weekend. Despite a cool breeze a surprising number of butterflies on the wing. In addition to the Orange-tips, several Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstones, Peacocks and even an Read More …
Great to see the arrival of the Bohemian Waxwings on the outskirts of Stockport. Over the past couple of months they’ve gradually been working their way south since arriving up in the north east from the vast coniferous forests of northern Russia and Finland. Although so Read More …
With our final evening down south to be spent watching Badgers we headed out at dusk to watch the Barn Owls, Deer and Foxes. On this occasion the foxes were waiting. Not only fearless but confident enough to sit down and wait. Those sausages Read More …