Another scorcher and a wander around Studland whilst the family were enjoying the beach. The dry, sandy heathland combined with the scents of the various flowering plants and the sea are strangely reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Further down the slope and a shallow valley open up to a number of Read More …
Category: Insects
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 …
Pendle Hill
A glorious morning in early May and time for a walk. Probably around a 1:10 chance of finding a Dotterel not great odds but …………….. Read More …
Ainsdale
Grass-of-Parnassus amongst the sand-dunes of Ainsdale NNR. Astonishing to see the sheer number of plants growing within the slacks. Also known as the Bog Star………… Read More …
The Purbecks
A few photos taken whilst walking the dog along the chalk downs and through the woodlands between Corfe Castle and East Creech. Above, Nettle leaved Bellflower at Kilwood DWT Nature Reserve. Nettle leaved Bellflower being visited by a Hoverfly. Musk Thistle at Corfe Castle – Read More …
In the Meadow
Marbled Whites mating on a Yarrow flowerhead at Durlston Country Park, Dorset. An incredible sight with clouds of Marbled Whites erupting from a kaleidoscope of flowers as we walked slowly through the meadows. Heading uphill towards the western boundary the summer pasture was punctuated by Read More …
Assimilate
The English Sundew the largest of our 3 native sundews at Spur Bog, Studland. With a preference for calcium rich soil, the underlying sand complete with the remains of millions of tiny seashells, allows the wetter areas of Spur Bog to provide the ideal conditions Read More …
Return to Alners Gorse
Purple Hairstreak feeding on honeydew excreted by aphids on an Ash tree. A few highlights from a visit to the Butterfly Conservation Society managed Alners Gorse in deepest Dorset. Although the weather was a bit mixed – a strong north-westerly breeze, plenty to see. Purple Read More …