A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Early Marsh Orchid, Barlow Tip – the most widespread and variable marsh orchid. Southern Marsh Orchid at Kenworthy Wood. Closely related to the Early Marsh Orchid with hybrids being relatively common. In general the hybrids tend to be stronger growing than the species and can Read More …
River Mersey close to Chorlton Water Park A new dawn arrives. Mid February we’re still in lockdown but I’ve been jabbed and finally it feels like winter is beginning to lose its grip. Mica inkcaps in Kenworthy Wood The first daffodils appearing in Kenworthy Wood. Read More …
19th January 2021 – a bit wet, nothing to worry about. 20th January – hmmm……… still raining, Storm Christoph approaching and where’s the footpath and lower bank? Can’t recall the River Mersey ever being so high next to Chorlton Water Park. Hopefully the Bailey Bridge Read More …
Despite climate change great to see that snow is still possible within central Manchester. Thought I’d post this video as its becoming increasingly rare and who knows when it’ll happen again. Dawn over Kenworthy Wood. Hard to believe that less than 6 months ago this Read More …
Meadow Brown, along the banks of the River Mersey close to Chorlton Water Park. With the easing of the lockdown we’ve really been looking forward to getting out a bit more. However a casual flick of the wrist and a walk along the banks of Read More …
Watching a colony of Sand Martins and the high speed interaction of the individual birds is fascinating. Although perhaps not quite as glamorous as the closely related Swallows or House Martins the diminutive Sand Martin more than makes up for it with their gregarious nature and character. Read More …
Unable to fly the chicks are totally dependent upon Mum. With the bank patrolled by Herons the young Goosanders have good reason to be wary Read More …
With the Coronavirus lockdown still in force Saturday’s 1 hour of exercise was spent slightly further away from the normal patch and upstream close to a colony of Sand Martins. Read More …
Another warm sunny day ideal weather for a bike ride down the Transpennine Trail to check out the local Sand Martins. Fortunately over the winter part of the river bank collapsed exposing a fresh, sandy cliff – ideal for a new breeding colony. Previous efforts to Read More …