News Blog
A Guide To The Best Autumn Colours In The New Forest
In the past, having visited only one or two specific areas of the New Forest to see the autumn colours, this time I wanted to find the 'best' places. Of course there are lots of bits of the Forest that look great in the autumn but - and this is subjective of course - I think that beech trees put on the best display.
The Sun Rises Over ‘In Memoriam’ at Sandbanks
The sun rising over 'In Memoriam', an art installation at Sandbanks, Poole, by artist Luke Jerram.
Comprising a giant sea of flags made from 100 bedsheets, the installation symbolically reflects those who have passed away from COVID-19. Arranged in the form of a medical logo, 'In Memoriam' also pays tribute to the brave NHS staff members and volunteers who continue to risk their lives during this pandemic.
BCP Council’s Active Traffic Schemes Protest, Vicarage Road, Poole
This morning a large crowd gathered in Vicarage Road, Poole, Dorset. They were there to take part in an Active Traffic Schemes protest against BCP Council's temporary road closure plans.
Pink Opium Poppy Fields Dorset 2020
2020 wasn't a great year for Dorset pink poppy fields. After a few days of sun, the weather suddenly changed and wind and rain quickly ruined most of the poppies.
Dorset Red Poppies
Following on from my previous post about red poppy fields in Dorset, here are more photos of Dorset red poppies in 2020.
On the day I took these photos the sun was starting to set and the wind was blowing gently, creating a gorgeous, swirling sea of flowers.
Red Poppy Fields Dorset, 2020
So far I've found four (possibly five) fields of Dorset red poppies in 2020, but they are only just beginning to flower. Here's a taster of some Papaver rhoeas, flowering in a field of beautiful white campion (Silene latifolia).
Pet Cemetery, Dorset
Hidden away in a wood, deep in the Dorset countryside, is a pet cemetery.
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids)
At this time of year I would normally be out in an ancient wood or hillside photographing flowers. Due to the lockdown that's not possible, of course, so I decided the flowers would come to me instead. I chose to photograph some beautiful and ethereal Phalaenopsis (moth orchids).
Pasqueflowers at Martin Down Nature Reserve, 2020
Following last year's discovery of a solitary pasqueflower at Martin Down Nature Reserve, I was anxiously waiting to see if the same plant would re-appear in 2020. Well, I'm pleased to report that it has made it through to another year. There may well have been other pasqueflowers too, but I didn't get the chance to find out.
Bournemouth during 1st lockdown
Bournemouth is now effectively shut to locals and visitors, apart from a few essential shops being open, such as banks.
Beales closed after 139 years
Today I went to have a look at Bournemouth town centre. My sole reason for going was because of the impact of coronavirus – to see how deserted it might be, not to go shopping. I also wanted to say ‘goodbye’ to department store chain Beales, who are closing down after 139 years of trading.
George Michael Memorial Garden, Highgate
In August 2017 I went to London to have a look around the now derelict Highgate railway station. Afterwards, whilst wandering around Highgate, I chanced upon a memorial garden outside George Michael's house that had been created by fans of the singer. They also look after the garden.
Tree Metamorphosis: New Forest Autumn 2019
Photos of a group of New Forest trees at Bolderwood, changing colour as the autumn 2019 season takes hold.
Hidden New Forest: how to find the perfect tree to photograph
How do you find a good tree to photograph?
Fallen Tree, Broadwater Avenue, Poole
After days and days of rain and wind, an old oak tree blew down this evening in Broadwater Avenue, Poole.
The photo, here, shows the fallen tree lying across Broadwater Avenue. Anyway, I thought the poor old thing was worthy of a mention on my website.