A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
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 …
Despite its tiny size this unusual fungi is unmistakeable in the dark shady areas of Dorset’s mires and bogs. Feeding off the remains of mosses and algae the fruiting bodies emerge from the depths to be held just above the water. This particular group was 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 …
Great to catch up with a family of Foxes family during a recent camping holiday in Dorset. Over the years we’ve seen quite a few different animals. Although wary with patience they’ve been surprisingly tolerant of people – and even the occasional dog!
Entrance to the woodland that makes up the majority of the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Kilwood Nature Reserve at East Creech. Dominated by formerly coppiced Hazel and Oak its one of those areas that never disappoints. After walking along the sun-baked ridge of the Purbeck Hills 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 …
Originally I was hoping to post this update a few weeks ago but 15 days wandering around Dorset and Oxfordshire without a reliable internet connection put paid to that idea. Better late than never. Several years ago the sound of the Grasshopper Warbler reeling away Read More …
Ring Ouzel (male) A few highlights from a wander along the gritstone edges close to Hathersage. Fortunately Derbyshire appears to be a stronghold for this rapidly declining summer visitor. Over-wintering in southern Spain and North Africa, in common with many other migrants the males arrive first to establish Read More …
Hmmmm……. difficult to top a Pallid Harrier but few better places to be than the Trough of Bowland on a glorious day in Spring. Even the Chaffinches look superb in the bright sunshine and unpolluted air. A few highlights from another walk alongside a crystal clear brook. One Read More …
