A stunning specimen of Viper’s Bugloss one of several found on route to a disused quarry on the Purbeck coast. One look at the deeply fractured rocks was more than sufficient to persuade me that entering the former quarry wouldn’t be the wisest of Read More …
Category: Flora
Scratch Arse Ware
A few highlights from a far too brief walk through the National Trust managed Scratch Arse Ware in mid July. With Jake for company not an afternoon for a large camera and lens. Musk Thistle Pyramid Orchid Wild Carrot. Unusually no sign of any Carrot Broomrape this year – probably Read More …
They Might Be Giants
The unwelcome sight of Giant Hogweed growing in the central reservation of Princess Parkway just south of the junction with the M60. Why unwelcome? Unfortunately Giant Hogweed is one of the few highly toxic plants capable of causing blistering, severe burns, and even blindness. Highly Read More …
Alien Encounter
A return to the sand dunes of the Lancashire coastline. Amazing to see the sheer diversity of plants and insects. Amongst the more common native plants an interesting selection of aliens. These include several naturalised garden escapes with the Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea being particularly striking. Read More …
Ainsdale Dunes
A few highlights from the sun-drenched Ainsdale Dune. Incredible how warm it can be when the heat starts to radiate back from dunes. Perfect conditions for the emergence of White Satin Moths on the Creeping Willow within the slacks. Probably a bit too warm for Read More …
Low Newton
A superb display of Thrift, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Cowslips and Sea Campion along the northern shore of Embleton Bay. All accompanied by the constant sound of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Oystercatchers. Just offshore a Grey Seal bobbed around in the Kelp with the occasional Arctic Read More …
Chorlton Water Park
A few highlights from a couple of hours spent on the local patch. Seems like a long time ago when up to 400 Pochard descended on Chorlton Water Park during the winter months. Unfortunately in recent years the numbers have fallen dramatically to circa 50. Read More …
Winter in west Lancashire
Can’t recall seeing a Kingfisher made from Lego before – quite an achievement. Lego appears to have come a long way since the early 1970’s when multi-coloured castles and battery powered boats were the height of fashion. Read More …
Formby
A warm, reasonably sunny day – an increasingly rare event at this time of year and a perfect opportunity for a trip to the seaside……… Read More …