A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Male Orange-tip Butterfly, Chorlton, Manchester One of the more colourful early spring butterflies usually seen on Cuckoo flower or Garlic Mustard (or in this case Dandelion). The bright orange tips of the males makes them unmistakable however as soon as a cloud drifts Read More …
What an amazing place. For all round interest the RSPB managed Arne peninsula is hard to beat. Initially purchased to conserve the Dartford Warbler and the Smooth snake the range of wildlife using the site is incredible. Two of the more unusual insects recently seen 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 strange few weeks. First a mysterious evening visitor with an appetite for wasp nests. Note: no footprints, no clean cuts from a spade to the nest, the soil or the adjacent roots, no spoil heap in fact absolutely nothing to suggest it was dug 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 glorious visit to one of the more regular haunts – Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve on the hottest day of the year. Whilst the south was sweltering up here it was just hot and with the morning’s showers very muggy. High Brown Fritillary Read More …
Finally got round to visiting Westhay Moor. Unfortunately due to the footpaths being strimmed the chances of seeing any Otters was pretty remote. Likewise most of the birdlife appeared to have flown. Fortunately there was plenty of Cetti’s, Reed Warblers and an unusual mixture of Read More …
Highlights from a recent visit to the only one of the Large Blue re-introduction sites open to the general public. A stunning area of sun-drenched chalk meadow on the side of a steep hill close to Street in Somerset. Pyramid Orchid Large Blue Butterfly Female Read More …