Blog

Common Buzzard (UK)

5 April 2025 Bird, Blog, Conservation, Raptor, RSPB, Wildlife

The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a medium-to-large bird of prey which has a large range. It is a member of the genus Buteo in the family Accipitridae. The species lives in most of Europe and extends its breeding range across much of the Palearctic as far as northwestern China (Tian Shan), far western Siberia and northwestern Mongolia. Over much of its range, it is a year-round resident. However, buzzards from the colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere as well as those that breed in the eastern part of their range typically migrate south for the northern winter, many journeying as far as South Africa. Extract from Wikipedia.

Last summer was second worst for common UK butterflies since 1976!!

4 April 2025 Blog, Butterfly, Butterfly Conservation, Conservation, Insect, UKBMS

Butterflies are winged insects from the lepidopteran superfamily Papilionoidea, characterized by large, often brightly coloured wings that often fold together when at rest, and a conspicuous, fluttering flight. The oldest butterfly fossils have been dated to the Paleocene, about 56 million years ago, though molecular evidence suggests that they likely originated in the Cretaceous.

Butterflies have a four-stage life cycle, and like other holometabolous insects they undergo complete metamorphosis. Winged adults lay eggs on the food plant on which their larvae, known as caterpillars, will feed. The caterpillars grow, sometimes very rapidly, and when fully developed, pupate in a chrysalis. When metamorphosis is complete, the pupal skin splits, the adult insect climbs out, expands its wings to dry, and flies off. (Extract taken from Wikipedia)

Change of Allegiance – Nottingham Forest v Manchester United

3 April 2025 Blog, City Ground, European Cup, Football, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest FC, Old Trafford

Founded in 1865, Nottingham Forest have played their home games at the City Ground since 1898. The club has won two European Cups (now the UEFA Champions League), making them one of six English clubs to have claimed the competition. Additionally, they have secured one UEFA Super Cup, one League title, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and one FA Charity Shield.

Which birds return first in Spring to the UK?

28 March 2025 Bird, Blog, Migrant Birds, RSPB, Wildlife

Migration is one of the wonders of the natural world. Here’s your guide to what birds to expect when.

Chiffchaffs are back belting out their chirpy song

23 March 2025 Bird, Blog, Conservation, RSPB, Wildlife

The Chiffchaff is a small olive-brown warbler which flits through trees and shrubs, with a distinctive tail-wagging movement. Chiffchaffs usually (though not always) have dark legs and a pale eye stripe. They’re easily confused for the Willow Warbler which has pale legs and a yellow eye stripe. Listen for the song which gives it its name, no other warbler makes that chiff-chaffing tune. Chiffchaffs eat insects, either picking them out from trees or snapping them up in flight.

Memories of Flying the RAF Wessex Helicopter

22 March 2025 Blog, Flying, Helicopter, Pilot, RAF, Wessex Helicopter

The Westland Wessex was a British-built, turbine-powered helicopter, a license-built development of the American Sikorsky S-58, used by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for anti-submarine warfare, utility, and search and rescue operations, with a notable service life of over 40 years

Protect Wildlife Today – Kingfisher

18 March 2025 Bird, Blog, Conservation, RSPB, Website, Wildlife

Blink and you may miss the fantastic kingfisher! This beautiful bird is easy to recognise thanks to its bright blue and metallic copper colours. It darts along the riverbank or sits patiently on a low branch over the water waiting for its next meal to swim by. Extract taken from Wildlife Trust Image by CRUSH…

Our farmlands can be both productive and bursting with wildlife

17 March 2025 Blog, Farming, Website, Wildlife

Many farmers are already showing farms can be productive, profitable and alive with the sounds of Curlew, Skylarks and Yellowhammers.

A “Chance Meeting”

14 March 2025 Blog, Dog Fox, Fox, Wildlife

In the heat of one of the UK’s hottest summers, I was seeking shelter under a pair of Sweet Chestnut trees. I had my camera primed and I was leaning against one of the trees – daydreaming! Without warning two Fox cubs emerged from a wooded area directly opposite me. I was downwind and shrouded…

What is the Meaning of the Present Moment

12 March 2025 Blog, Mindfulness, Website

Being in the present moment, or the “here and now,” means that we are aware and mindful of what is happening at this very moment. We are not distracted by ruminations on the past or worries about the future, but centered in the here and now. All of our attention is focused on the present…