Poppy Field Norfolk

A Wild 70th in Norfolk

We overshot our approach the first time round. That’s because we were all caught transfixed at the crumbling farmhouse next door. The four of us, wide eyed, heads apprehensively turning in unison. Relief and excitement sprang as the actual house we were staying in (intact, roofed and rather impressive) came into view second time round!  

Arriving in Norfolk for the first of two spectacular 70th birthdays this year, this famed county was very much a feature of my childhood with many a holiday and weekend break here. It’s been an age, maybe several ages since then and while time has eroded, obscured and clotted many of those memories, I still remember with great clarity seeing my first spoonbill on a formative family walk over Cley Marshes. I was tempted to describe the experience with the term “boyish” excitement, but the truth is that the thrill of experiencing wildlife in the natural world has only grown as I’ve aged and my reactions all the more ridiculous (just ask the family). And so the excitement and anticipation of returning to a county celebrated for its conservation work was almost too much to contain. 

Visiting the Holkham Estate was incredible, the spoonbills I’d encountered as a rarity in my childhood seemed almost common, as did the three species of egret (little, great white and cattle) flying overhead, often disturbed by marsh harriers delicately dancing over the reserve. I could have sat in the dunes watching the little terns all day and I hope not too long passes before my next visit. 

It was however the wildlife in the immediate grounds of where we were staying that captured my imagination the most. An army of brown hares weaving through poppy fields the buzzards, red kites and marsh harriers patrolling and scanning from above. The ruins of the farmhouse and stables next door presenting a natural treasure trove. There is often a lot expressed over the habitat and wildlife during the conservation battles over greenfield sites, but maybe not enough is shared on the host of wildlife that thrives in abandoned brownfield areas like this. A family of barn owls, little owls and kestrels all within the same ground, creating something like a triangle of danger for all lived and/or ventured nearby. 

Waking up every morning to the sound of house martins investigating the bedroom windows though will always be the cement that holds all the wonderful memories of this wild 70th birthday in Norfolk… 


Redwing in the UK winter looking for food on a frosty ground

A Crisp January Morning

"Are you ok? Do you need a doctor?"

A crispy, enchanting morning to the East of the village (Burley in Wharfedale) aptly named East Fields. Read more


Kingfisher on a washed up tree on the wharfe by Burley in Wharfedale

Tree in the Wharfe

Female kingfisher on the river wharfe
The persistent and rhythmic sound of rain falling on the attic roof is unable to calm the current circuit of thoughts racing through my brain at what feels like 100 inconsequential considerations a second. Struggling to grasp onto a single trail, one thread eventually takes root. A tree, the tree. Read more


Black browed albatross, bempton cliffs

Wildlife vs Football

What do football fans and wildlife watchers have in common? Read more


Cullipol, Luing

Ship to Wreck, Seil Part 3: Sheep, Lambs & Other Scenes

Here’s the final installment from our (Easter!) excursion. As well as the Aurora and wildlife we were treated to some very special scenes including newborn lambs on Oban Seil Farm, gorgeous displays at Arduaine Garden and a plethora of inspiring scapes. 

Here’s the photo highlights… 


Green woodpecker in flight, Malham

A Mindful Moment with a Green Woodpecker (Picus Viridis)

Some highlights from a wonderful encounter with a Green Woodpecker (Picus Viridis) while leading the Walking Photography wildlife photography workshop in Malham.


Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) with nesting material

500km for a Wren, Seil Part 2: Wildlife Encounters

Firstly, apologies to anyone offended by my use of kilometres over miles, but 500km just sounds better than 310.686 miles! Read more


Aurora borealis Northern Lights over Mull from Seil

Oh What a Night, Seil Part 1: Northern Lights

It's unlikely you've met anyone who waxes lyrical about service stations quite as much as me. I have a ranking table, and Tebay Services tops it. Read more


Hare running on Ilkley Moor

River & Moor, A Perfect Day

Grebes weed dancing on the water, hares boxing on the fields, and peregrines performing death-defying ariel displays. For me, spring is often like going to a music festival where all your favourite bands are on different stages at the same time! Read more


Wader flocks at Snettisham

Curlew Field Workers at Snettisham

4.30am and I really should have double-checked the "tune" I selected for my alarm call. Read more