A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
An unmistakeable male Sand Lizard foraging for insects on the edge of Higher Hyde Heath. Outside of the mating season the green flanks are far more subdued. Interesting to note the remains of her old skin still in the process of being shed. Another female Read More …
A return to DWT’s Higher Hyde Heath Nature Reserve one of the most reliable sites in the country to see the Sand Lizard the rarest of our native lizards. 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 …
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 …
Keeled Skimmer (female)A real specialist of pools in wet heathland and bogs. This particular female had just emerged and was surprisingly approachable. Unfortunately none of the bright blue males were around. Sand Lizard (male)Definitely the most spectacular of our native lizards especially when the Read More …
In addition to the Dragonflies, Butterflies, Birds and heathland flora the main attraction at Higher Hyde Heath is the healthy population of the elusive Sand Lizard. Although I’ve been fortunate enough to see them before at Arne and closer to home at Ainsdale, they’ve been Read More …
An exceptional nature reserve managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Unfortunately at the time of our visit the tails around the heathland and bog were impassable due to the heavy rains and high water table. Therefore we explored the area around the bird hide, Read More …