A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
I sit beside the fire and think of all that I have seen, of meadow-flowers and butterflies in summers that have been; Of yellow leaves and gossamer in autumns that there were, with morning mist and silver sun and wind upon my hair. J.R.R. Tolkein Lord of The Rings Read More …
In common with other species of Broomrape the roots penetrates the host’s tissue and draws nutrients from it. With no need for chlorophyll the Broomrape lacks green pigment and the leaves have been reduced to withered brown scales. Key features that help to separate Carrot Read More …
A few highlights from a far too brief walk through the National Trust managed Scratch Arse Ware in mid July. With Jake for company not an afternoon for a large camera and lens. Musk Thistle Pyramid Orchid Wild Carrot. Unusually no sign of any Carrot Broomrape this year – probably Read More …
Related to the Stinkhorn the extremely rare Red Cage fungus found growing at Durlston Country Park. Also known in some parts of eastern Europe as Witches Heart it erupts from an “egg” like structure before collapsing in on itself 24hrs later. The partially collapsed remains Read More …
An outstanding and relatively unspoilt country park in Swanage. Even at weekends the park remains relatively quiet. In addition to seacliffs, former quarries, chalk downs and woodlands the park is a migration hotspot that frequently hosts many interesting birds varyig from Aquatic Warblers to Wrynecks. Read More …
Sitting on top of the chalk downs high above the English channel this has to one of the more picturesque villages we’ve seen. Leading down from the village a footpaths snakes it way through Winspit valley passing the ancient strip lynchets carved into the Read More …