Sunday Morning Guided Walks

This morning I headed a wildlife and photography walk around the lovely Avon Heath Country Park. This is a place new to me and somewhere that I am looking forward to getting to know better. The group today was small but very friendly and we had a fine time hunting through the trees and heathers photographing the local crickets, dragonflies, butterflies and spiders. There was also a very friendly Robin that kept me amused until the group arrived.

 

Big skies and big clouds

The last few days has seen the Isle of Purbeck bathed in somewhat 'changeable' weather. This is never too much of a bad thing as we have big skies around here and with big skies you get some pretty big clouds!

Meet the Locals

A walk from the cliffs to the castle is always going to be good, you get the best of both worlds and not just with the fabulous views. Our local wildlife changes with the landscape too, there is always plenty to aim the camera at.

A Mini Murmuration

Starlings are beautiful birds and watching them is always a good way to spend your time. We have a small group nearby and although the patterns they make as they twist and turn in the sky are not up to the standards of some, our own mini murmuration is pretty special.

Red Squirrel Week

I know Red Squirrel Week seems like just an excuse for me to post photos of these wonderful little creatures but it is a real thing, I promise. We are lucky on the Isle of Purbeck to have our own small colony of Reds albeit on the island of Brownsea, in Poole Harbour. Time spent watching Red Squirrels is never wasted and a trip to Brownsea can be a lot of fun, especially if you  manage to get over there on a quiet day.

The Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival

This week has seen another Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival: a collection of walks that take people all over the Isle of Purbeck and with many different themes. I took three groups out this week, to three different areas each in a completely different setting. Tuesday was from Studland, over the hill to Swanage via the incredible Pinnacles formation. Thursday was Studland again, but this time we stayed inland and visited Agglestone Rock: a 400t lump of sandstone that sits in the middle of beautiful heathland. The third was to Tyneham, via the ridge, making sure that we visited Flowers Barrow, an Iron Age hill fort high above the deserted village.
Three superb walks to three wonderful places with some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Old Harry & The Pinnacles

Agglestone Rock

Flowers Barrow

That Friday Feeling

It was only a week ago that I last walked along the cliff path but it seemed like years. With all that has been going on for the last few weeks it was good to get out and try to clear my head and the cliffs are the perfect place. This morning was just about perfect too: warm, bright and fresh with just a hint of Autumn. This has got to be my favourite time of year.