A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
A beautiful, sunny early morning spent walking through the woodlands at Arne stopping to watch a Spotted Flycatcher, a group of Willow Warblers and a Sika Stag when suddenly a gust of wind carrying the unmistakeable stench of a Stinkhorn stopped us in our tracks. Read More …
Some of the more uncommon plants to be found in bloom in Dorset during September. Dorset HeathNative to the bogs and wet heaths of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall this one was found flowering on Coombe Heath. Unfortunately like most of the heathland specialists historically its Read More …
Highlights from a walk along the Jurassic Coast close to Langton Matravers, Dorset. The common or British Wren at a former quarry. Roe Deer I’m unsure who was the more surprised me or the deer. Although relatively common at dawn or dusk I didn’t really Read More …
Raft Spider Superb spiders and the RSPB have even installed a bench next to one of the pools on Coombe Heath so you can sit back and watch them. The Raft Spider uses the surface tension of the water as a massive web and Read More …
Unfortunately in common with most cities the light pollution in Manchester is appalling and the chance of seeing any stars let alone shooting stars isn’t particular high. Still ever the optimist we decide to take a bit of advice from NASA and give it a Read More …
Closely related to Bee Orchids and the rare Early Spider Orchid there’s several well established colonies of Fly Orchids in the limestone pavements and woodlands around Morecambe Bay. Pollinated by the male Digger Wasp (very definitely not a fly) the orchid relies upon scent to Read More …
A mire on East Creech Heath complete with rafts of Sphagnum moss. Bog Beacon A saprotrophic, or recycler fungus growing on dead moss. Helps to fulfil a vital role in this area of nutrient deficient bog by breaking down the remains and releasing nutrients Read More …
Arne at dusk. A superb area for watching and listening to the amazing Nightjar. Unfortunately despite there being at least 3 birds flying around hawking for moths, churring and wing clapping it was just too dark to attempt a photograph. A real highlight of Read More …
Hard to believe its 2013. Apart from the parking restrictions I don’t think this view has changed for the past 40 years The flowerhead of Ivy Broomrape. Again leaves and chlorophyll aren’t required Vipers Bugloss growing amongst Birdsfoot Trefoil. Coincidentally the area Read More …
