The Two Bridges Hotel is a stunning old building, set in a location that almost seems unreal in the Dartmoor sun. Surrounded by a sweeping landscape, grassland, heather and hills, snaked by the West River Dart, the latter of which is spanned by two bridges, one modern and one an old, disused clapper bridge. ThisContinue reading “The Future of Dartmoor?”
Author Archives: Henry Jones
Birds and Dartmoor
It’s no secret that I’m constantly raving about Dartmoor. It’s an incredible place for birds and people alike, a precision mosaic of unique habitats, which fit together like a puzzle to allow us all to thrive. Since I could walk, rain or shine, I’ve been out on the moors, looking for birds, wildlife and newContinue reading “Birds and Dartmoor”
Invasive Species
In the corner of the garden lies a pond. At first glance, it appears modest and slightly shaded from the overhanging tree next door. But a cluster of tall, stout-stemmed plants clings to the far edge. Your eyes are immediately drawn to, not their unflattering bulbous joints, but to their dazzling pink flowerheads, resplendent andContinue reading “Invasive Species”
Parc Natural Sa Dragonera
Named for it’s shape akin to that of a certain mythical creature, Dragonera lies off the south-west coast of Mallorca, a stones throw from the picturesque coastal Balearic town of Sant Elm. It’s roots run deep into it’s rugged, uninhabited cliffs, and it’s relationship with people has proven rather complicated over the years. But it’sContinue reading “Parc Natural Sa Dragonera”
A Nature Walk and a Natter
A nature walk with young children is guaranteed to feel really special. Those were my thoughts, anyway, after our walk around Bovey Heathfield. A few days ago, I was lucky enough to be asked to help lead a nature walk for young families, organised by Better Places and the Devon Wildlife Trust. It was myContinue reading “A Nature Walk and a Natter”
Mountain Management in Mallorca
The Black (or Cinereous) Vulture is Europe’s largest raptor, and an iconic species in Mallorca. It thrives in the northwest mountain range, the Serra de Tramuntana, and has recently been showing signs of expansion in its breeding range, putting the exclamation point on an awe-inspiring conservation success story that brought the birds back from the brinkContinue reading “Mountain Management in Mallorca”
Acting Swiftly
Swifts are a special species of bird, remaining airborne for ten straight months each year and not landing for the first three years of their life. Their committed avoidance of the ground has led to them having one of the fastest level flight speeds of any bird, but also tiny feet that aren’t much goodContinue reading “Acting Swiftly”
Global Birdfair 2026
The pinnacle of the birding year, a birder’s Glastonbury, has been and gone once again. And what an event it was, brimming with talks, walks, workshops and showcases. I’m going to need some convincing that there is another event that brings naturalists, conservationists, ornithologists and just general nature enthusiasts together quite like this. For me,Continue reading “Global Birdfair 2026”
Nightjars on Dartmoor
Nightjars are a wondrous species. Fern Owls, we used to call them, a beautiful traditional name that is a nod to our long-standing fascination with them. Their mottled, cryptic plumage gives them a ghost-like quality, combined with the fact that they’re crepuscular, which means they’re only active at dawn and dusk. Their churring, mechanical songContinue reading “Nightjars on Dartmoor”
Back at the Cottage
I’ve just got back from another amazing weekend at Cameron’s Cottage in the New Forest, on a Wild New Forest wildlife camp. These camps happen twice yearly, both in Spring and Autumn, and I’ve been lucky enough to go on five over the last few years. The importance for a young naturalist to be amongContinue reading “Back at the Cottage”
