Author Archives: southdownswayandbeyond
30 Days Wild
I’ve just signed up for 30 Days Wild 2017… Watch this space…
Day 26 – Wildlife Spotting on the Move
Birds spotted while driving on the motorways between Derbyshire and Brighton Ok I probably should have been concentrating 100% on the roads but I couldn’t help noticing: Numerous buzzards A sparrowhawk? Kestrels Crows Several jays Pigeons A heron A red … Continue reading
2016 30 Days Wild – Days 10-12
What No Pictures?! Sometimes life takes over and getting out into the wild to take pictures (what I adore doing) seems difficult to achieve. So the last few days I’ve had to let go of my love of snapping whatever … Continue reading
New Forest
New Forest Old forest Bending in the breeze forest Heath, heather, bracken. gorse River bubbling from its source. Oak, holly, birch, beech. Creeks and rustles of woodland speech Deer gazing, ponies grazing. Birds singing, spirits raising. Dappled sunlight, sudden … Continue reading
A-Z of Wonderful Orkney
This list could go on and on! Artic skuas, amazing archaeology Bluebells, Brough of Birsay, bere bannocks, black guillemots Curlews, cuckoos, Churchill Barriers, common skate egg cases Daily seal (well not quite but almost saw one every day). Eagles (Sea) back … Continue reading
Goodbye Orkney
A grey day to leave Stromness by but the sea was calm and the sun came out as we passed the Old Man of Hoy. Even saw a puffin do a bouncing bomb act into the sea. The long drive … Continue reading
Last Day in Orkney
Sad to say that today was the last day in Orkney. So difficult to decide where to go many beautiful places. But it was back to the Bay of Skaill for us. Such a wonderful spot not just because of … Continue reading
Grand Dwellings and Sandy Beaches
By 1607 the dwellings on Orkney (well some of them!) had become significantly grander than the humble beginnings at Skara Brae. The Earl’s and Bishops Palaces in Kirkwall all felt very modern though by Orcadian standards! But after a brief foray into the … Continue reading
Tarry A While
Watching the way people visit things in the outdoors. Partly because I always seem to be one of the last to leave, even on a chilly and blustery one. So often people just pass by with a quick photo and just … Continue reading
Why I Love Nature (At Least 10 Reasons)
Musing over a morning cup of tea taken outside looking at a marvellous view over Scapa Flow I started to tot up all the reasons I love being out in nature. Here’s around 10 of them It makes me feel … Continue reading
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