A couple of weeks ago, I headed off to a secluded spot in the New Forest, concealed behind a gate, a long gravel track and huge amounts of healthy trees. Organised by the dynamic duo of Emily Hunt and Andrew Millham, with support from the incredible Cameron Bespolka Trust and an all-star panel of esteemedContinue reading “Nature Writing Retreat”
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Bird Beach
I can’t think of a better way to spend a Monday evening than on a beach, crouching metres away from a sizeable mixed flock of just about every wader species you would expect to find on a sandy shore, and then some. An evening walk through Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve had ended up with anContinue reading “Bird Beach”
Bashing for Butterflies!
DISCLAIMER: You’re probably wondering about the origins of the title of this one. I won’t give too much away, but I will say that no butterflies, or any creatures for that matter, were harmed in the making of this blog. Bracken. That was the reason I stood upon the crest of the hill at PepperdonContinue reading “Bashing for Butterflies!”
Bug Hunt!
Last week I was lucky enough to head out on a bug hunt alongside a small group, landowner Fiona and renowned entomologist John Walters. We were nearby to Newbridge on Dartmoor, where the River Dart tumbles towards Dartmeet in a spray of white and grey. It was a brilliant afternoon, where we used several differentContinue reading “Bug Hunt!”
Osprey Exhilaration!
Last week, I was lucky enough to head out with the Birds of Poole Harbour Young Birders Group, on a trip in search of birds of prey. The main target species? It was, of course, the Osprey. Poole Harbour is at the forefront of Osprey reintroduction to the south of England, and here at Carey’sContinue reading “Osprey Exhilaration!”
Otter Estuary Nature Reserve
Last week our family met up with some friends at the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, in Budleigh Salterton, a town on the coast in South East Devon. The reserve was at the mouth of the river, and the plan was to walk around the reserve and then onto the beach, but I of courseContinue reading “Otter Estuary Nature Reserve”
The Barn Owl Trust
The Dartmoor Youth Rangers is a scheme run by the National Park that aims to engage young people, and get them actively involved in conservation activity. I have been lucky enough to be part of the group for over a year now, and we have worked on various tasks and projects across the moor, fromContinue reading “The Barn Owl Trust”
A Sunny Sunday at Birdfair
On Sunday, about two weeks ago, we returned to Global Birdfair, following an action-packed Saturday. We were in the heart of England’s smallest county, Rutland, on the south shore of the aptly named Rutland Water. The Global Birdfair is a celebration of all things nature, from birds to bugs and everything in between, but itContinue reading “A Sunny Sunday at Birdfair”
Global Birdfair Returns!
Last week, we travelled to Rutland, the smallest historic county in England, to visit Global Birdfair, the brilliant festival celebrating and raising money for birds, nature and conservation efforts across the globe. It has been held at Lyndon Top, on the south shore of Rutland Water since 2022. The large annual event brings together birders,Continue reading “Global Birdfair Returns!”
Phantoms at Dusk: In search of Nightjars
On Saturday night, we went straight from a swimming gala to Brimpt Woods, managed by Forestry England. Brimpts Wood is very close to Dartmeet, where the two branches of the River Dart meet. The West branch flows alongside the Woods, increasing the diversity of species in the area. I would be doing a nightjar surveyContinue reading “Phantoms at Dusk: In search of Nightjars”
