A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Padley Gorge, Derbyshire One of our favourite springtime walks. On a quiet day in mid-May its not too difficult to imagine Ents roaming the ancient Oak & Birch woodland. The almost mystical atmosphere is further enhanced by the waterfalls and presence of the uncommon Redstart Read More …
A few highlights from a recent visit to Fletcher Moss Gardens and Stenner Wood. Plenty of fungi growing on the piles of dead wood left around the wood following the felling of last year’s storm damaged trees. The route through the woodland was slightly precarious. Read More …
After what seems like one of the wettest winters for years the clouds finally parted long enough to make the trip up to the upper Derwent Valley and a search for Parrot Crossbills. I’d like to say I’m 100% convinced this is a male Parrot Read More …
A bit of catching up from an early autumn visit to Dorset. Normally on the south coast summer tends to linger on for that little bit longer than what we’re used to in the north of England. In the past we’ve even managed to get Read More …
Just typical – mid-October, a day off work and ex-hurricane Ophelia rolls up. With a grim weather forecast the original plan of a day out around Leighton Moss and Gait Barrows was changed to the far closer to home Dunham Massey estate. By 10am the Read More …
Little Egret on the hunt close to the Grisedale hide. Hard to believe but I’m now the wrong side of 50! To celebrate we continued with a time-honoured, tradition of taking a couple of days off work with one of them being spent at the RSPB’s 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 …
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 …
Broad-leaved Helleborine A surprisingly common Orchid found throughout the Mersey valley. One of those plants that unless you know what you’re looking for is easily missed. Also known perhaps harshly as the weed Helleborine. This one was found in Northern Moor growing in heavy shade. With it being a relatively Read More …