https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2017/01/08/last-walk-of-the-summer/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040195.jpgsmall tortoisehell on teaselSmall tortoishell on teaselhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040189.jpgSmall tortoiseshell and bees on teaselThe nectar in the flowers on this teasel head was attracting lots of vistors. A small tortoiseshell butterfly and two carder bees tuck in.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040186.jpgFolly farm fieldPart of the reserve has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, because it is a classic example of a traditionally managed grassland meadow. Ninety-seven percent of such meadows have disappeared in the last century. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040182.jpgCommon blue butterflyA male common blue butterflyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040181.jpgCommon Blue butterflyA male common blue butterfly, looking rather the worse for wear.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040179.jpgMeadow brown butterflyMeadow brown butterflyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040176.jpgA male common blue butterfly undersideA male common blue butterfly on meadow vetchlinghttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040151.jpgFolly farm AWTThe view from Round Hill towards Chew Valley Lake.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1040142.jpgbotanising at the top of a hill at Folly Farm AWTStanding dead wood at the top of Round Hill provides important habitat for wildlife. An amateur botanist in the background attempts to identify a flowering plant.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_1621.jpgAcreoss BristolThe view across Bristol from the Cabot Tower2017-01-12T19:37:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/10/30/extreme-rock-pool-safari/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/894.jpgStar sea-squirtStar sea-squirt, made up of tiny 2mm animals arranged in star-shaped colonies.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/900.jpgHairy crabHairy crabhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/904.jpgBlue-rayed limpetBlue-rayed limpethttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1599-e1477755296228.jpgvelvet swimming crabshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1432.jpgSue and geoff rockpoolingMe and Geoff, looking for rock pool treasurehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1427-e1477755900948.jpgSquat lobsterSquat lobsterhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1433.jpgBroad-clawed porcelain crabBroad-clawed porcelain crabhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1431.jpgVelvet swimming crabVelvet swimming crabhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1440-e1477755458380.jpgFather lasherhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1419.jpgSnakelocks anemoneSnakelocks anemone2016-10-30T11:31:56+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/10/09/hazy-days-of-summer/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1040122.jpgStonechatStonechats are common at Bystockhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/coenagrion20mercuriale20m20mario20finkel1.jpgcoenagrion%20mercuriale%20m%20mario%20finkel1Southern damselfly image from http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/southern-damselfly)https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/image11.jpegMale fern?https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1040003-e1476033587147.jpglong pond at BystockOne of the Long Ponds at Bystockhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1040025.jpgheath at BystockLooking across a purple haze of heather in the valley of the Bystock nature reserve, owned by Devon Wildlife Trust.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1040023.jpgAndrew Warren Edric Hopkinson Matt Boydell Devon WT BystockAndrew Warren, Edric Hopkinson and Matt Boydell, from Devon Wildlife Trust.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1040021.jpgReservoir at Bystock liliesThe reservoir at Bystockhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1040012.jpggatekeeper butterflyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1030997.jpgBystock heather and silver birchhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1030987.jpgSue and Matt Boydell in woods at BystockWalking through Brock Wood at Bystock nature reserve2016-10-10T16:19:22+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/09/09/damsels-and-dragons/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image15.jpegBissoe ValleyOne of the large ponds at Byssoe Valley Nature Reservehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image14.jpegSmoo Cave, Durness, ScotlandSmoo Cave, who knows what could be lurking in the dark depths? https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030966.jpgbuzzardI stop to watch buzzards. There were several in the sky above Bissoe Valleyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030963.jpgsmall ponds Bissoe ValleySmall ponds at Bissoe Valley nature reserve, managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trusthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1040118.jpgGolden-ringed dragonflyGolden-ringed dragonflies breed in moorland streams but often hunt away from these, amongst the heather, gorse and bracken of the moors.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1040108.jpgGolden-ringed dragonflyWe saw golden-ringed dragonflies but didn't manage to catch one at rest until this gorgeous one at Dartmoorhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1040061.jpgKeeled skimmer dragonflyKeeled skimmer dragonflyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030958.jpgEmerald damselfly maleMale emerald damselfly https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030956.jpgmale common darter dragonflymale common darter dragonflyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030953.jpgmale common darter dragonflymale common darter dragonfly2016-09-09T18:28:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/09/08/the-ercall/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image13.jpegShrewsbury sunsethttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image12.jpegCarved trilobiteA trilobite, inhabitant of the area millions of years agohttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image11.jpegThe Ercall UnconformityThe Ercall Unconformity, reclaimed by greenhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image10.jpegThe Ercall UnconformityThe Ercall Unconformity - what it's all abouthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image9.jpegThe Ercall woodlandhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image8.jpegOak treePattern of oak branches https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image7.jpegSpores on fern leafStriking patterns made by spore capsules on a fern leafhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image6.jpegMale fernMale fernhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image5.jpegGrassy woodland gladeThe rain droplets on tufted hair grass turned this woodland glade into a shimmering silver sea. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image4.jpegWheat sculpture fountain at Shropshire WTWe timed our visit well, as the Trust was hosting a pop-up restaurant, so we sat in the garden enjoying lovely vegan food and a ferociously healthy smoothie. 2016-09-17T11:42:45+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/09/01/one-good-tern/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030762.jpgDevilsbit scabious and butterflySmall white butterfly on devilsbit scabioushttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030753.jpgLagoon at Cemlyn BayBehind the lagoon at Cemlyn Bayhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030763.jpgCemlyn Bay 2Shingle at Cemlyn Bayhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030767.jpgCemlyn BayThe long curve of the shingle ridge, Esgair Gemlyn, lies between the sea and a shallow lagoonhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030742.jpgbird silhouetteI think this was a young stonechat sillouetted against the sky but am happy to be corrected by more experienced birders!https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030745.jpgheron flyingA grey heron flies low over the farmland behind the reserve.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1030741.jpgLittle egretLittle egrethttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image41.jpegRed campion in Anglesey hedgeRed campion in the hedgerowshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image40.jpegSmall white and devilsbit scabiousSmall white butterfly on devilsbit scabioushttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image39.jpegCemlyn BayCemlyn Bay under a dark sky2016-09-01T21:36:31+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/08/30/gwaith-powdwr/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/janice-whittington-free-to-use-please-credit1-e1403883531658.jpgJanice-Whittington-free-to-use-please-credit1-e1403883531658Lesser horseshoe bat (image Janice Whittington)https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030657.jpgancient willowI like the shape of this ancient willow growing in wet woodland https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030641.jpgWoodland at Gwaith PowdwrWoodland at Gwaith Powdwrhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030648.jpgGwaith Powdwrhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030649.jpgSlow wormFemale slow wormhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030617.jpgBuilding at Gwaith PowdwrThis storage shed has been re-roofed for bats. Many of the buildings are protected by blast walls. One of the volunteers had been researching the history of the site and told us about two serious explosions that had happened.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030653.jpgSpeckled wood butterflySpeckled wood butterflyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030633.jpgsouthern hawker dragonflyThis male southern hawker dragonfly was flying along a woodland path at Gwaith Powdwr, a North Wales Wildlife Trust nature reserve.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030628.jpgClouded border mothClouded border mothhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030619.jpgfernsFerns and moss in the damp woodland2016-08-30T15:51:27+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/08/29/the-green-bongo/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image38.jpegChesil Fleet sunsetSunset over The Fleet at Chesil beachhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image37.jpegArdmair sunsetArdmair sunset. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image36.jpegAnglesey sunsetSunset over Holyhead Mountain, Angleseyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image35.jpegShropshire sunsetShrewsbury sunsethttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image34.jpegBongo bedBedroomhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_1452.jpgBongo studioStudiohttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1020701.jpgGeoff looking at Bongo engineRinging the garage for advicehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1020816.jpgP1020816https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image33.jpegCafe blogging iPad and cakeCream tea while you work, perfect!https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image32.jpegBongo kitchenKitchen2016-09-08T20:25:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/08/19/dynamic-drurridge/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image19.jpegDrurridge BaySeven miles of sandy beach https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030496.jpginside the Huxley VCI tried to imagine the huge amount of work that went into building the packed earth floor. Volunteers mixed clay, sand and straw and the brought it in by the barrowload, spreading and compacting to form a smooth, hardwearing surface.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image18.jpegCoal patterns in the waterCoal fragments make patterns in the water where the waves lap the shores of Drurridge Bayhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image17.jpegLake at East ChevingtonThe Lake at East Chevington Reservehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image16.jpegPathway into East Chevington reserveA flowery grass path leads into East Chevington Nature Reserve.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image15.jpegReeds at East ChevingtonThe reedbeds that fringe the lake provide nesting sites for reed bunting and reed warbler, and have attracted the first marsh harriers to breed in Northumberland for 130 years. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image14.jpegBloody cranesbill in dune grasslandBloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is common locally, growing here in wet grassland with meadowsweet and red cloverhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030493-e1471554664552.jpgHuxley VC buildThe work requires some rather special skills. The building is a straw bale construction, which as well as being environmentally friendly is usually easy to build. In this case the iconic angular design meant that new construction techniques had to be developed.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030518.jpgDamselflyDragonflies and damselflies zipped across the water. I like the way this blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans) is reflected in the water in Geoff's photo.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030515.jpgEast Chevington reserve 22016-08-25T18:13:32+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/08/12/a-gannet-extravaganza/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030354.jpgGeoff in oilskinshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030400.jpgBass RockBass Rock, off the Scottish coast. The entire rock is white with gannets at this time of year.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030398.jpgGuillemotThis is the closest we've got to guillemot. They breed on a nearby island.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030387.jpgBass rock gannets and lightThe gannet colony has increased hugely since the lighthouse has been unmanned so that the island is now uninhabited.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030382.jpgbass rock gannets 1https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1030367.jpgwing dryingCormorants on a nearby island. They don't have as much oil on their feathers as other seabirds, and have to stretch them out to dry off from time to time.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/shags-at-bass-rock.jpgShags at Bass RockShags breed on the nearby rocks. In the breeding season they develop an iridescent green sheen to their feathers and a spiky quiff, giving them a somewhat surprised look.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/gannett.jpgGannetThe dagger-like bill of the northern gannet is used to catch fish. The gannet folds back its wings and plunges vertically from a height of up to 40 metres, disappearing under the water to capture its target. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/gannett-1.jpgGannettThe snowy white plumage and creamy yellow head of the gannet is unmistakeable. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/gannets-nesting-with-chicks.jpgGannets nesting with chicksGannets breed in tightly packed colonies, despite being highly territorial.2016-08-12T09:47:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/08/07/spellbound-by-orchids/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bee20orchidsteve20weeks_1.jpgbee orchid Steve WeeksPollen poised to rub off onto the backs of any bee that visits this Bee Orchid (image (c) Steve Weeks, Kent Wildlife Trust)https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image12.jpegCommon spotted orchid hybridAs I'm still learning, I'm not entirely sure about this one, which Geoff photographed at Lindisfarne. I think it might be a Common Spotted Orchid hybrid - any advice welcome.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image11.jpegMarsh HelleborineThis gorgeous Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris) was growing in the dunes on Holy Island.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image10.jpegTwaybladeMy hurried photography doesn't do justice to this Twayblade (Listera ovata). Its spike of subtle yellow-green flowers, with a long narrow forked lower petal, rises from a single pair of broad oval leaves which give this plant its name. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image9.jpegCreeping lady's-tressesThe fuzzy spiral of tiny white bells give this orchid its name. Creeping lady's-tresses (Goodyera repens) is only found in ancient Scots pine woodlands. I found this on an early morning walk through woodland beside the campsite at Nairn.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image8.jpegHeath spotted orchid crophttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image7.jpegNorthern Marsh OrchidThe Northern Marsh Orchid, as it's name suggests, grows in Scotland, Wales and Northern England, taking the place of the Southern Marsh Orchid I'm more familiar with.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image6.jpegHeath spotted orchidHeath spotted orchids were dotted in the grass around our campsite on the Outer Hebrides. I soon discovered that these acid-loving orchids are abundant in the heaths, bogs and moors of the uplands.2016-12-30T15:34:37+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/07/26/seabird-city/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/great-skua-at-handa-in-flight.jpgGreat Skua at Handa in flightGreat skua https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1030254-1.jpgthree razorbills crophttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/leaving-handa.jpgLeaving HandaLeaving Handa Islandhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image41.jpegHeath spotted orchidHeath spotted orchidhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image40.jpegTormentilTormentil thick underfoothttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image39.jpegAcross Handa IslandLooking across Handa Islandhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image38.jpegHeather and flowersHeathers, eye bright and tormentilhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image37.jpegHanda seabird cliffsLong horizontal ledges are packed with guillemots, the nesting birds pressed against the cliff with their chick tucked underneath them, kept warm by a warm spot (called a brood patch) on the parent's tummy well supplied with blood vessels to pass on warmth to the growing chick.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/puffins-on-handa.jpgPuffins on HandaPuffinshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1030273.jpgBog AsphodelBog asphodel2016-08-01T11:28:14+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/07/20/highland-ambition/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image36.jpegLoch Assynt through ruinLoch Assynt from Ardvreck Castlehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image35.jpegSmall waterfallhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image34.jpegMountain avenshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image33.jpegSunset at ArdmairSunset over the southern end of the project areahttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image32.jpegLoch AssyntLoch Assynthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image31.jpegButterwortButterworthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image29.jpegCommon frogCommon froghttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image27.jpegWillow over cascading burnhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image26.jpegLochan in Coigach AssyntLoch in the Coigach-Assynt areahttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image25.jpegimageRed deer are an iconic part of the Highland landscape but are also one of the main reasons for the lack of trees. Grazing animals such as sheep and deer nibble away any tree seedlings before they have a chance to grow.2016-07-21T17:14:18+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/07/08/foulshaw-moss/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1020823.jpgFoulshaw moss 2Looking across the oldest part of Foulshaw Mosshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1020822.jpgcotton grass at Foulshaw mossPools like this are great for dragonflies, including the rare white-faced darter. Common cotton-grass and hare's tail cotton grass both grow here.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sundew-crop.jpgSundewThere are few nutrients available in the acidic peat soil. Sundews trap insects on sticky hairs on the leaves and digest them to provide vital extra nutrients.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1020828.jpgFoulshaw Mosshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1020817.jpgSimon et al FoulshawSimon, Grace, me and Colin at one of the osprey viewing points. Colin volunteers at the reserve on Tuesday's to point out the ospreys to visitors, who can get a good look at them through the viewing 'scope. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1020830.jpgosprey nest modelOsprey nests are huge. Staff from Cumbria Wildlife Trust built this one on the ground to demonstrate just how big they are.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cranberries-crop.jpgCranberriesCranberry is one of the specialist bog plants found at Foulshaw Moss.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1020835.jpgSphagnum mossSimon explained how sphagnum is structured to collect and hold rainwater - he squeezed a strand of moss to show us how much water trickled out of just a single strand. It also creates an acid environment, which means that as the tip of the plant grows, the older parts don't decay, they are preserved so that it starts to pile up to form mounds.2016-07-13T21:25:45+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/07/12/wandering-by-waterfalls/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/p1020838.jpgHeron at Falls of Clydehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image6-e1468360985633.jpegClearing conifers with Rowan saplingScottish Wildlife Trust is clearing the plantation conifers in some areas to low native trees like this young Rowan to regenerate. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image5.jpegMarsh hawk's beard woodland edgeThe undergrowth is starred with marsh hawk's beard https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image4.jpegRiver through trees Falls of ClydeThe River Clyde glints through the trees.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image3.jpegTree root plate falls of ClydeThe root-plate of a fallen tree adds a sculptural element.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image2.jpegMarsh Hawk's beardMarsh hawk's beardhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image1.jpegTop of Falls of ClydeBonnington Linn at the top of the nature reserve. The weather has been very dry recently very so there is less water in the falls than usual. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/image.jpegCorra Linn waterfallThe Corra Linn waterfall2016-07-12T22:54:05+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/07/01/lake-district/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020745.jpghawthornA gorgeous and very old hawthorn treehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image18.jpegimagehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image17.jpegAlpine Ladies Mantlehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020809.jpgrainbow lake districtA rainbow on the ridgehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020790.jpgat the top of Dove Craghttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/view-from-top-of-dove-crag.jpgView from top of Dove CragView from the top of Dove Craghttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020813.jpghalfway up Dove CragHalfway therehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020791.jpgview from Dove Craghttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/skylark-singing.jpgSkylark singingSkylark (photo credit Geoff Woolley)https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/juvenile-wheatear-close.jpgJuvenile Wheatear closeJuvenile wheatear (photo credit Geoff Woolley)2016-07-01T09:40:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/06/28/potteric-carr/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020669.jpgP1020669https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020662.jpgP1020662https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020642.jpgP1020642https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020698.jpgP1020698https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020690.jpgP1020690https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020687.jpgP1020687https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020674.jpgP1020674https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020699.jpgP1020699https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020696.jpgP1020696https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020649.jpgride edge Potteric Carr2016-08-21T08:43:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/06/24/nesting-kittiwakes/2016-06-24T11:36:15+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/about/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sue-loch-fyne.jpgSue @ Loch Fyne2016-06-24T10:59:13+00:00weekly0.6https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/06/23/partying-with-the-puffins/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020636.jpgP1020636https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p10206351.jpgseven puffinshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020632.jpgP1020632https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020632-1.jpgP1020632 (1)https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020630.jpgP1020630https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020625.jpgKittiwakes and chicksKittiwake nests perched perilously on the cliff ledges, with chicks like tiny balls of fluffhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/p1020620.jpgFlamborough Cliffs 1Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve, Yorkshire Wildlife Trusthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image14.jpegimagehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image13.jpegimagehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image10.jpegFlam cliff hogweed2016-06-23T13:34:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/06/20/brandon-marsh/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/karl-curtis-wkwt.jpgKarl Curtis WKWTKarl Curtis, Reserves and Community Engagement Manager at Warwickshire Wildlife Trusthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/newlands-reedbed-project-3.jpgnewlands reedbed project 3Newlands Reedbed at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/kingfisher-pole.jpgkingfisher poleLook carefully to see the kingfisher pole which allows the birds to pose obligingly for photographers. Sadly, the reserve's kingfishers were far to busy to pose for me today.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/newlands-reedbed-project-1.jpgnewlands reedbed project 1https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/east-marsh-pool-1.jpgEast Marsh Pool 1East Marsh Pool at Brandon Marsh Nature Reservehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image5.jpegBird book and Brandon Marsh2016-06-24T11:18:26+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/06/14/wildlife-road-trip/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image4.jpegOn Snowdonhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image3.jpegPage of I-spy bookhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image2.jpegSabbatical survival kit2016-06-18T08:59:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/06/10/346/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_0259.jpgIMG_0259Wood anemone, bugle and bluebellhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_0246.jpgWood spurgeWood spurgehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_0242.jpgThornden Woods in springhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image1-e1465422755988.jpegBluebellsBluebells at Thornden Wood, the Bleanhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/image.jpegSurvey at BleanCan't see the surveyors for the trees - mostly birch at the moment. In a couple of years this will be even denser - perfect for nesting nightingales.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/brighton-gulls.jpgbrighton gullstest2016-06-10T19:37:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/04/29/thinking-ahead/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/breaking_through_scr4d.jpgdigging drainage channelDigging a drainage channel for a scrape (a shallow wet area) to create new habitat for wetland birdshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tompot-blenny-d-f-mcz-2009_0731dover0083-westbankwreckage-090731-davewood.jpgTompot blenny DaveWoodTompot blenny in Dover to Folkstone Marine Conservation Zonehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_0226.jpgIMG_0226https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/recycling.jpgfluorescent tube recyclingFluorescent tubes have just been added to the list of things we can recycle at the Trusthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ruths-bike.jpgRuth's bikeLots of people cycle to work but no-one's bike is as cool as Ruth'shttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ash-levels-bird-survey-23rd-april-2012-john-collins-farm-013.jpgswans on ash levels scrapehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ash-levels-bird-survey-23rd-april-2012-john-collins-farm-019.jpgAsh Levels scrapeThe scrape will look like this in winterhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/breaking_through_scr4.jpgdigging drainage for scrapeDigging a drainage channel to a wetland scrape2016-04-29T16:26:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/04/16/marine-matters/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_0205.jpgstarter reefThe embryonic crochet reefhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ostrea-edulis-oyster-whitstable-street-2015apr11-bryonychapman-kwt-25.jpgoysterOne of Whitstable’s famous oysters © Bryony Chapmanhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/whitstable-street-2015apr11-bryonychapman-kwt-32.jpgWhitstable StreetWhitstable Street, a shingle spit exposed at low tide © Bryony Chapmanhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/royal-haskoningdhv-mtg-room.jpgRoyal HaskoningDHV mtg roomMeetings in remarkable rooms 5: Striking view from the Royal Haskoning meeting room, the first time I have been to a meeting in which they watched Big Ben to check the meeting was running on time.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/urticina-fel-dahliaanemonemussels2-goodwinsands-31aug05bc-kwt.jpgUrticina-fel DahliaAnemone&Mussels2-GoodwinSands 31Aug05(BC-KWT)2016-04-16T17:17:08+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/02/28/a-glimpse-of-spring/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/snow-waving.jpgsnow wavinghttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/snow-waving2.jpgsnow waving2https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bumble-bee3.jpgbumble beeThis queen bumblebee has just come out of hibernation and is looking for somewhere to build a nest. A hole in the ground, or some tussocky grass would be ideal. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bumble-bee2.jpgbumble bee2The Queen bumblebee has just come out of hibernation and is looking for somewhere to nest. A hole in the ground or tussocky grass would be ideal.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/willow-catkins.jpgWillow catkinsWillow catkinshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ali-checking-cherry-plum.jpgAli identifying blossomAli is checking the twigs to see if this is cherry plum. The ends if the twigs are hairless and glossy green, as opposed to blackthorn, which has similar blossom but young twigs which are are downy and grey brown. It's also a lot more thorny. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/snowdrops.jpgsnowdropsSnowdrops have been out for a while, they look so delicate but still manage to push their way through the ivy, bramble and nettles.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/celandine.jpgCelandineLesser celandine grow along the bank beneath a hedge2016-02-29T19:41:06+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/02/23/storyboards-at-samphire-hoe/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_0377.jpgPop art peregrineI love this picture, one of a series on display at the Education shelter at Samphire Hoehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/result-of-first-filming.jpgThe first scenePaul checks the first bit of footage, introducing the Conservation Team https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/classroom-at-samphire-hoe.jpgClassroom at Samphire Hoehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_0381.jpgIMG_03812016-02-24T10:29:14+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/04/25/quite-a-lot-of-meetings/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/vases-in-the-glass-room-at-maidstone-museum.jpgvases in the glass room at maidstone museumInteresting meeting rooms #1https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/maidstone-20150408-000311.jpgThe Glass RoomThe view from the meeting room in Maidstone.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/maidstone-20150408-00031.jpgMaidstone-20150408-00031https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/maidstone-20150408-00032.jpgMuseum displayDisplay in the Glass Meeting Room at Maidstone Museum. Spot where someone has tried to hide the tarantula.2016-02-23T22:23:49+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2016/01/30/looking-over-shoulders/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/vanessa-2.jpgVanessa workinghttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/p1030682.jpgGreg workinghttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/vanessa-1.jpgVanessa 1?????????????https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/keith-1.jpgKeith checking habitat mapKeith has been alerted to unauthorised motorcycle scrambling on a Local Wildlife Site by a KWT member, who has sent photographs showing how the site is being damaged. He is checking which habitats and species are found on the site so that he can let the local district council know which are protected by law and lobby them to take action to stop any illegal activity. Not that the Trust is against motor cycle scrambling – we want people to enjoy the countryside in all sorts of ways, but there are places where this can happen without damaging wildlife that is already seriously declining. 2016-01-30T18:31:26+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/12/06/good-news-and-bad-news/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/kent-projects-sheet-2.jpgkent projects sheet 2It was good to end the week on a positive note – this is just one of the maps that we covered at a Kent Nature Partnership meeting with notes of projects happening right now to restore and create new habitats for wildlife.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/hig-partner-projects-sheet2.jpgHIG partner projects sheet2?????????????https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/hig-partner-projects-sheet-1.jpgHIG partner projects sheet 1?????????????https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/p1000426.jpgP1000426https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/nat-cap-conference-1.jpgNat cap conference 12015-12-08T15:40:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/11/20/oare-marshes/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/redshank_tom_marshall-sourced-from-wildnet.jpgRedshank_Tom_Marshall sourced from WildnetRedshank © Tom Marshallhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/shoveler-oare-kevin-duvall.jpgShoveler Oare Kevin DuvallThe Shoveler gets its name from its broad beak, which it uses to sieve from the water various small crustaceans, insect larvae, molluscs, worms, plankton and bits of plant. Image © Kevin Duvallhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/oaremarshes-2015-aug9-bryonychapman-27.jpgOare MarshesKent Wildlife Trust’s Oare Marshes nature reserve on a sunny day © Bryony Chapman https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/kevin-duvall-at-oare-marshes-crop-bright.jpgKevin Duvall at Oare Marshes crop brightProper kit - Kevin sets up the telescope to show us the birds on the shorehttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/koniks-at-oare-2-crop-bright.jpgKoniks at Oare 2 crop brightKonik ponies graze the reserve, keeping the vegetation in check so that less needs to be cut back by hand.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/oare-marshes-1.jpgOare marshes 1Looking out over Faversham Creek and the Swale at Kent Wildlife Trust's Oare Marshes nature reserve2015-11-29T22:12:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/11/04/creative-ecology/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/p1010698.jpgBatty pumpkin lamphttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/beetle-pumpkin.jpgbeetle pumpkinThis is what happens when you ask a bunch of ecologists to carve pumpkins: beetles, bats, centipedes and marine wildlife. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/pumpkin-carving.jpgpumpkin carving2015-11-04T22:08:00+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/10/28/ten-to-one/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/annie-throws-rope.jpgThrowingAnne prepares to throw a rope over the shoulder of a potentially drowning Alisonhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/20151014_131119.jpgThrowingAnne prepares to throw a rope over the shoulder of a potentially drowning Alisonhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ivy-bee.jpgIvy beeIvy bees were first found in Britain in 2001. Since then, they have spread throughout the south of England. If you see a very stripy looking bee, with a furry thorax, on ivy in the autumn, it is almost certainly an ivy bee. They are mining bees, which means they create a nest in the ground. Although they are solitary bees, each creating a single nest, you can get large aggregations of bees nesting in one area. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cid_image003_jpg01d10c1c.jpgSea walnutMarine species like the sea walnut can be carried in ballast water and in the absence of local predators, multiply and form extensive populations. The sea walnuts then consume zooplankton, including fish eggs and larvae, reducing the food available to native species, and having a knock-on effect along the food chain and a devastating impact on local fisheries. Image from: http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-photos/sea-walnut-mnemiopsis-leidyi https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/10-to-1-cropped.jpg10 to 1 in the Sunley SolarHalf of the Conservation team gather in the former attic of the 17th century farmhouse that now houses our offices, so that Chloe can update us on the latest in wetland conservation. 2015-10-31T16:59:34+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/10/12/summer-story/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/nightingale_2_c_amy_lewis.jpgNightingale © Amy LewisNightingale © Amy Lewishttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/seed-spreader.jpgSeed spreaderNative seed being broadcast by the farmer, (Heathdown Partners) into an existing sward at Hobbs Hill Farm adjacent to the Kent Water, a tributary of the Upper Medway. Image © Ray Firmingerhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/newlands-8.jpgWetland at Newlands FarmAn area of wetland at Newlands Farm adjacent to the River Eden which is being enhanced and managed to buffer the river and provide breeding wader habitat. © Kent Wildlife Trusthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/confetti.jpgConfettiIn July, I did this! And found that it took a lot more organisation that I suspected, but we did have a brilliant day with family and friends.2015-10-13T14:49:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/06/24/a-lunchtime-walk/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1030525.jpgBramble and nettle and other fast growing plantsThis is what the Roadside Nature Reserve would look like without all the hard work of Gill and her amazing team of volunteers. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1030515.jpgColumbineThis patch of columbines and oxeye daisies is tucked away in a shady corner.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1030518.jpgOr to see why this plant is called hop trefoil. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1030514.jpgP1030514Milkwort, oxeye daisy, bird's-foot-trefoilhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/slow-progress-but-interesting-plants.jpgSlow progress but interesting plantsHow much ground can a bunch of ecologists cover in a lunchtime? The answer is not much, as we stop to examine something every few yards. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1030507.jpgCommon spotted orchidsThe orchids are particularly photogenic.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fiona-and-ali-tweeting.jpgFiona and Alison, tweetingBreaking news... Fiona shows Alison how to tweet an image of an orchid. As you can probably tell by this blog, some of us are arriving fashionably late to the social media revolution. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/p1030496.jpgCommon spotted orchids on Bluebell HillCommon spotted orchids on the Roadside Nature Reserve just across the road from My office. It is spectacular at this time of year; even driving past you can see the pink flower spikes of the orchids. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rnr-sign.jpgBluebell Hill Roadside Nature ReserveOn the other hand, it is perfectly placed for a lunch time stroll along one of our most high profile Roadside Nature Reserves.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/footbridge-view-up-bluebell-hill.jpgBluebell HillThis is the less than picturesque view from the footbridge next to our offices at Tyland Barn. 2015-06-26T15:51:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/06/04/78/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/horsham-20150513-00039.jpgShed at Sussex Wildlife TrustEveryone needs a shed!https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/brogdale-farm-1.jpgBrogdale Farm 1https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/comma-4-best-shot-g-woolley.jpgComma ButterflyComma Butterfly2015-06-04T11:30:27+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/05/17/secret-spaces/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/mike-bax-presenting-award-to-bwag.jpgMike Bax presenting award to BWAGMike Bax, Chairman of Kent Wildlife Trust, presents the Richard Neame Gold Award to the Bredhurst Woods Action Group for their outstanding management of a Local Wildlife Site.https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ma34-bredhurst-woods-visit-14th-may-2013-023.jpgBredhurst Woods Local Wildlife SiteBluebell woods are an iconic part of the Kent landscape. Bluebells are strongly associated with ancient woodland (technically referred to as ancient semi-natural woodland, as nothing in our crowded country is really free from man’s influence), so much so that they are used as one of the suite of species whose presence indicates that a woodland has been in place for over 400 years. Many large areas of ancient woodland in Kent are designated as Local Wildlife Sites, and we work hard to ensure that bluebell walks in May will be available for future generations. https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/pilgrims-way-pipeline-proposal-003.jpgGrassland Local Wildlife SiteGrassland Local Wildlife Site © Neil Coombshttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ma34-bredhurst-woods-visit-14th-may-2013-019.jpgBluebells at Bredhurst Wood2015-05-17T22:33:07+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/05/06/let-us-eat-cake/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/maidstone-20150506-00033.jpgEamonn, Camilla, Stuart, Paul, Jenny, Claire and EmmaStaff at Kent Wildlife Trust demonstrate that they are always willing to eat cake for a worthy cause. Yesterday I held an afternoon cream tea break to raise money for a friend who was running the London Marathon for Whizz-Kidz. We have a few expert bakers in the team so scones and clotted cream were kindly supplemented by Camilla (patisserie supremo), Paul (king of the intriguingly-decorated chocolate cake) and Alison (provider of the healthy option, because lemon drizzle is one of your five-a-day). Diets were busted, generous donations made, and we all admired the achievement of my friend from the comfort of the staff room chairs. 2015-05-06T21:24:09+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/04/14/the-chance-of-a-lifetime/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/mcz-letter-writing-coffee-break.jpgletter writing coffee breakKent Wildlife Trust staff write letters in support of the designation of Marine Conservation Zones. Last week, we held a letter writing coffee break, encouraging staff who wanted to write in response to the government consultation on whether more marine areas should be protected from damage. Fuelled by cake kindly brought in by Bryony and Fiona (the marine officers) and inspired by the talk that Bryony gave, showing us the amazing wildlife hidden under the waves, we wrote to Defra, explaining why we thought the government should designate three areas around Kent as Marine Conservation Zones. 2015-04-17T21:20:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/03/30/2-spring-has-sprung/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/blackthorn-in-blossom1.jpgBlackthorn in blossomBlackthorn in blossomhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/burham-down-kent-wildlife-trust.jpgBurham Down, Kent Wildlife TrustGoats grazing on Burham Down (c) Kent Wildlife Trusthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1010244.jpgP1010244https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1030432.jpgP1030432Greg shows Stephen where the nightingale breeding sites will be losthttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1030430.jpgP1030430https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/blackthorn-in-blossom.jpgBlackthorn in blossom2015-04-17T14:51:50+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.com/2015/03/29/post-1-hello/https://theonlywayiswildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1000869.jpgP10008692015-03-30T20:36:31+00:00monthlyhttps://theonlywayiswildlife.comdaily1.02017-01-12T19:37:17+00:00