A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Porlock Weir, the former home to Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Worthy Combe Toll Lodge Fairy Tunnel, Ashley Combe House former home of Ada Byron. The tunnels date back to 1835 and the construction of the Italianate gardens. Presumably built to allow the 1st Earl Lovelace and Read More …
A few highlights from the weekly wander around Barlow Tip and Kenworthy Wood………. in a few weeks time the small trees will literally disappear like something out of Shelob’s lair Read More …
Bullfinch (male) at Kenworthy Orchard, Northern Moor. With plenty of fruit trees and dense thickets of Blackthorn scrub Kenworthy Wood is ideal for the local Bullfinches. Great to see that they appear to be bucking the national trend for a long term decline Read More …
Great to see the Whitethroats beginning to return from Africa. With the recent warm weather leading to a plentiful supply of insects it looks like this year they’ve timed it to perfection…….. Read More …
After a slow start this spring is looking very promising for our local Butterflies. An ideal opportunity to enjoy a bit of exercise and weight training with a heavy camera and 300mm lens for an hour …… 🙂 Read More …
Originally I was hoping to post this update a few weeks ago but 15 days wandering around Dorset and Oxfordshire without a reliable internet connection put paid to that idea. Better late than never. Several years ago the sound of the Grasshopper Warbler reeling away Read More …
Orange-tip – Kenworthy Wood, Northern Moor (opposite Chorlton Water Park) A quick catch-up from St George’s Day and a sunny weekend. Despite a cool breeze a surprising number of butterflies on the wing. In addition to the Orange-tips, several Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstones, Peacocks and even an Read More …
Returning this year on the 21st April the continuous chattering song of the Reed Warbler is one of the more distinctive bird songs found around Chorlton Water Park. Whilst the song is instantly recognizable trying to get a clear view of one is a bit Read More …
Peacock Butterfly on the freshly opened Cherry blossom at the edge of the Orchard in Kenworthy Wood. Also several Small Tortoiseshells and a Brimstone. Great to see the warm sunshine has brought out many of the local butterflies. A male Orange Tip on a fresh Read More …