News Blog
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) in Dorset
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is not a native plant, having originally been introduced to Britain from Southern Russia and Georgia. This impressive umbellifer can reach over 3.5m (11.5ft) in height, with flower heads sometimes as large as 60cm (2ft) across.
Giant crop circle – north Dorset
Well, it seems that I've become a drone owner, even though I never imagined, in a million years, that I would want one. Anyway, when out and about recently I found this giant crop circle, in north Dorset. Certainly most of the locals that I met didn't even know this was there, apart from one family who'd come looking.
Pink Poppies Dorset 2021
I recently found a giant field of Dorset pink poppies that are still not quite in full bloom, and haven’t been ruined by inclement weather.
Red Poppy Fields Dorset 2021
I had hoped to be able to show some photos of red poppy fields in Dorset but, sadly, there really don't seem to be many at all in 2021. The photograph, here, is actually a poppy field in Wiltshire, and was one of four fields of red poppies that I found in one day.
On the trail of orchids in Dorset and Hampshire
![Early spider-orchid [Ophrys sphegodes]. Growing in Dorset.](https://www.m35photography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC4216-Edit-1024x1024.jpg)
The early spider-orchid [Ophrys sphegodes] and the early purple orchid (Orchis mascula). Both were photographed in 2021, in the Purbecks, Dorset, UK.
Is This The Only Pasqueflower At Martin Down?
For the last three years I have been photographing a pasqueflower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) at Martin Down, on the Hampshire/Dorset border. During that time I have only ever found this same plant, even though reports on the Web show there used to be a few more.
Is this the only remaining pasqueflower plant left at Martin Down?
Pasqueflowers At Barnsley Warren, 2021
A solitary pasqueflower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) on the hillside at Barnsley Warren SSSI, Gloucestershire. It's said there are about 20 thousand pasqueflower plants here, so in a couple of weeks or so this hillside should be full of the nodding purple heads of these enchanting flowers.
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.
6 months after the Wareham Forest fire
Six months after the May 2020 Wareham Forest fire, the ground is still blackened and scarred. Many trees and bushes were badly singed, or completely burned, and won't recover. Wildlife was caught up in the fire too. Photos taken in November 2020 show the devastating consequences of the massive forest fire.
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.