A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
A few highlights from Norden Heath taken back in August (seems a long time ago now). The roadside verges around East Creech and the various footpaths leading down to the heath are one of the best areas in the country for the relatively uncommon Nettle-leaved Bellflower. Whilst the ones along the woodland edge have suffered from grazing by the local deer the plants growing along the roadside verge are spectacular. Read More …
A sunny day with a cool breeze still blowing we woke up early and enjoyed a relaxing walk around Studland Beach before heading inland to look for Sand Lizards. The warm, shallow waters of Studland Bay appear to support several non-native species with Solier’s Red 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 …
A few photos taken whilst walking the dog along the chalk downs and through the woodlands between Corfe Castle and East Creech. Above, Nettle leaved Bellflower at Kilwood DWT Nature Reserve. Nettle leaved Bellflower being visited by a Hoverfly. Musk Thistle at Corfe Castle – Read More …
The underwater reefs and ledges of Kimmeridge Bay home to the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve. …and immediately above – next to the MOD firing range the oldest working oil pump in the UK. Pumping continuously since 1961 its not the first thing that most people 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 …
A few of the late summer highlights from Septembers trip down south. Nettle leaved Bellflower growing at the memorial entrance to DWT’s Kilwood nature reserve. Also occurs along the roadside verge at the base of the Hazel hedge. Unfortunately no sign of the Hazel Dormouse Read More …