A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
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 …
Highlights from a walk along the Jurassic Coast close to Langton Matravers back in September (seems a long time ago). The many disused quarries are a real magnet for migrating birds with Wheatears finding them especially attractive. The coastal quarries also contain several colonies of Read More …
More catching up from September’s visit to Dorset and an area close to Puddletown, part of Thomas Hardy’s Egdon Heath. Despite the chilly breeze a surprising number of insects around with the predatory Red Darter and Common Lizard hoping to take advantage. With Higher Read More …
Can you see me – a superb male Sand Lizard at Shipstal Point, Arne. The cryptic colouring is surprisingly effective especially amongst the heather growth that dominates the Arne peninsula. Probably just as well with the dissection of Kestrel pellets proving the local Kestrels 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 …
Great to see the Sand Lizards especially when the males are bright green during Spring and early Summer. Hard to believe they’re native to the UK. In total over a couple of hours we were fortunate to see 5 males and 2 females. Somewhat surprisingly 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 …
Common Lizard Enjoying a few rays of sunshine at Norden Heath close to the boundary with Kilwood Nature Reserve. Sand Lizard Great to see the lizard taking advantage of a south west facing banking recently cleared of Gorse. Young Common Lizard Silver Y Moth Common Earthbumball Read More …
The amazing compound eyes of a Common Darter at Higher Hyde Heath. Must be very strange being able to see in every direction all at the same time. Common Darter enjoying a few rays of sunshine. Sand Lizard (female). Although Higher Hyde Heath has Read More …