A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
A young Peregrine on the sea cliffs at Durlston Country Park waiting for one of the adults to return from hunting. With many migrants passing through or leaving the park to depart across the English Channel the wait is likely to have been a short Read More …
Corfe Castle at night. I was hoping it’d be dark enough for a good view of the Milky Way but with a waxing gibbous moon (the phase between the first quarter and the full moon) it just wasn’t dark enough. However, plenty of stars to be 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 …
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 …
Turning out to be a good year for the Holly Blue. This one appeared in the back garden feeding on Hemp Agrimony before flying off into the Ivy climbing up the garden fence. With plenty of mature Ivy in the neighbouring gardens hopefully the start of Read More …
A male Silver Studded Blue at Morden Bog, Dorset one of several seen around the heathland. Normally hyperactive and difficult to approach on this occasion a large cloud drifted across the sun resulting in this one taking a rest. Great to see the carnivorous Read More …
Unimproved grassland at Durlston Country Park in mid-July. With at least 578 species of flowering plant recorded along the cliffs, limestone grasslands and woodlands this is one of the best areas in the country for wild flowers. In mid July its spectacular. With such a rich variety of Read More …
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 …
A stunning specimen of Viper’s Bugloss one of several found on route to a disused quarry on the Purbeck coast. One look at the deeply fractured rocks was more than sufficient to persuade me that entering the former quarry wouldn’t be the wisest of Read More …
