A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
A fine start to the day with the unmistakeable song of a Yellowhammer singing close to Dancing Ledge quickly followed by a family of Stonechats. In the haymeadow surprising to see several stems of Common Broomrape. Normally as a parasite it’s fairly clear which is Read More …
I suspect this is an unusual hybrid between the Early Spider Orchid and the Bee Orchid. It didn’t appear to have any of the vigour typically associated with hybrids however on the thin soil on top of the sea cliffs the majority of plants appear Read More …
A great area of chalk downland managed by the National Trust next to the SW Coast Path -close to Langton Matravers. Beneath the downland this part of the “Jurassic Coast” has a long history of quarrying. Although originally this must have been an incredibly destructive Read More …
A spectacular area named after the rocky ledge of the former quarry on the outskirts of Langton Matravers. In Spring the chalk downs above the seacliffs are home to 75% of the UK population of Early Spider Orchids, in addition it’s the most southerly breeding Read More …