Whenever I visit Kenfig Nature Reserve’s waterlogged terrain during the early spring months, I’m reminded of Charles Darwin’s ‘primordial soup’ theory. The theory suggests that life probably started in “some warm, little pond”: “It is often said that all the... Read More

I know of many photographers who have no qualms about killing and freezing insects in order to gain more control over macro shots. While I admire their skill as photographers, I question their methods and not collect insects purely for... Read More

Here are my favourite 5 images of 2022. I started doing this last year and settled on 5 photos, so now that will be my standard number of images I pick out each year. With so many glorious images to... Read More

This summer has seen a record-breaking heatwave; in this post, I will discuss why hot weather is not all good news for the sun-loving Dragonfly. We often associate dragonflies with summer and sunny, dry weather. It’s logical to think that... Read More

THE DINGY SKIPPER may not have the rainbow, brilliant iridescence of a Peacocks’ blazing wings.  It may not ignite one’s curiosity as much as the nomadic wanderings of the Orange Tip, as it flutters past streams and meadows. Nor possess a... Read More

“The childhood shows the man, As morning shows the day.” – John Milton, Paradise Regained Anyone who follows my posts will know of my obsession with the Grizzled Skipper. Come May, I visit their stronghold at Merthyr Mawr and have... Read More

By turning over refuges, such as sheets of corrugated iron, planks of wood or old carpet, you never know what you may find! Visiting Parc Slip Nature Reserve is full of wildlife wonders and many are often hiding in the... Read More

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2021 data shows many butterflies in decline, least among them the Small Tortoiseshell -32% down from last year’s count. Back in August, I felt fortunate to have spotted a bonanza of Tortoiseshells on a visit... Read More

Attracted by its beautiful rugged coast-line my wife and I often visit Cornwall, particularly in the month of August.  It forms a peninsula encompassing wild moorland and hundreds of sandy beaches, culminating at the promontory Land’s End. The south coast,... Read More

Porthkerry Park is only a ten minute walk from my home in Barry. I go there often, usually taking a long walk in the woods before venturing off towards the meadows and the pebbled beach. There is much to attract... Read More