News Blog
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 coronavirus 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.
Great Dorset Steam Fair 2019
Thursday was the first day of the Great Dorset Steam Fair 2019. The weather was beautiful, the problems from the year appear to have been resolved and there’s plenty to see and do.
Wickham Festival 2019
Since Thursday, I've been at Wickham Festival, Hampshire. The weather has been beautiful and the large crowd, on the first day, was probably (mostly) there to see Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) performing a solo gig. Also Matthews Southern Comfort, Judi Collins and The Proclaimers were playing. It was a great line-up, especially if you're of an age where you remember these guys when they first made it big. Graham sang song after song and talked about things that had happened in his life, and of his good friend, Joni Mitchell. I have to say that I've never seen a...
Camp Bestival 2019
Today was the hottest day of the year. It also marked the start of Camp Bestival, at East Lulworth, Dorset.