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| Blackthorn | Title: Blackthorn: Unveiling the Mystique of the Ancient Hedgerow GuardianIn the bucolic landscapes of the countryside, where fields stretch to meet the horizon and hedgerows meander like ancient guardians, a plant of profound significance quietly flourishes, its stark beauty and rich… |
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| Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) | Title: Nature Notes - Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)One of the first hedgerow shrubs to flower in spring is the blackthorn. Usually in flower before the end of March and for about three weeks or so the hedgerows look as though they have had a heavy dusting of flour!Blackthorn is unique in… |
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| Bloody nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa) | Title: Nature Notes - Bloody nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa)The bloody nosed beetle is out and about on the cliffs of the Dorset coast from quite early in the spring right through until late in the autumn. They can often be seen plodding slowly across footpaths on their way… |
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| Bloody-nosed Beetle | Title: The Bloody-Nosed Beetle: A Curious Creature of the CountrysideIn the enchanting world of insects, where diversity knows no bounds, one creature stands out for its distinctive appearance and intriguing behavior—the Bloody-Nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa). With its bold colors… |
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| Blue Tit | Title: Blue Tit: The Charming Jewel of Woodlands and GardensIn the verdant landscapes of woodlands, parks, and gardens, a tiny burst of color flits among the branches—the Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). With its vibrant plumage, lively demeanor, and melodious song, this delightful bird… |
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| Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) | Title: Nature Notes - Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)Unlike it's cousin, the great tit, the blue tit seems happier away from its natural woodland habitat and is more eclectic in its taste, happy with seed, peanuts, fat balls and so on as well as keen on cleaning up the aphids from the roses… |
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| Bluebell | Title: The Enchanting Bluebell: Emblem of Woodland MagicIn the heart of ancient woodlands, beneath the verdant canopy, a carpet of delicate blue blossoms emerges each spring, casting a spell of enchantment upon all who behold it. The Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)—with its… |
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| Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) | Title: Nature Notes - Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)What can be more English than a bluebell wood? If I was on a desert island and could have one picture to remind me of home then it would have to be of a carpet of bluebells spreading across a woodland floor under tall… |
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| Bluebottle | Title: The Bluebottle Fly: Nature's Unsung Sanitation WorkerIn the intricate tapestry of nature's ecosystem, certain creatures play essential roles often overlooked or misunderstood by human observers. Among these unsung heroes is the bluebottle fly (Calliphora vomitoria), a remarkable… |
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| Bluebottle (Calliphora vomitoria) | Title: Nature Notes - Bluebottle (Calliphora vomitoria)As my series of nature notes looks at the whole range of species one cannot pick and choose what to include. Bluebottles, like the rat, are amongst the most despised, even hated, forms of wildlife. Their link with spreading disease… |
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| Blushing Rosette | Title: Blushing Rosette: Exploring the Enigmatic Beauty of Abortiporus biennisIn the tranquil depths of deciduous forests, where sunlight filters through the canopy and dances upon the forest floor, a captivating sight awaits the keen-eyed observer—the Blushing Rosette (Abortiporus… |
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| Bogbeans - Menyanthaceae | Title: Bogbean Family (Menyanthaceae): Exploring the Aquatic Marvels of the Bogbean FamilyIn the tranquil waters of ponds, lakes, and marshes, a family of aquatic plants thrives, enchanting observers with its delicate beauty and ecological importance. Welcome to the captivating world of… |
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| Borages - Boraginaceae | Title: Borage Family (Boraginaceae): Exploring the Marvelous World of Borage and Forget-Me-NotsIn the vast tapestry of the plant kingdom, few families exhibit the diversity and beauty of Boraginaceae. With over 2,000 species spread across 146 genera, Boraginaceae encompasses an array of… |
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| Boreal Beard Lichen | Title: Usnea subfloridana: The Boreal Beard LichenUsnea subfloridana, commonly referred to as the Boreal Beard Lichen, is a striking and ecologically significant member of the Usnea genus. Found hanging gracefully from tree branches in temperate and boreal forests, this lichen plays a… |
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| Bracken | Title: Bracken: The Emblematic Fern of Woodlands and Wild SpacesIn the dappled sunlight of woodland glades and open moorlands, an ancient plant unfurls its fronds in a verdant display of resilience and beauty—the bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). With its towering presence, intricate… |
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| Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) | Title: Nature Notes - Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)I guess that of all the fern family bracken is the one that we could all name quite readily. Bracken seems to grow just about anywhere and everywhere. It is not only the most common fern in Devon, it is the most common fern in… |
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| Brackets | Title: Unveiling the Fascinating World of Bracket Fungi: Nature's Silent ArchitectsBracket fungi, also known as shelf fungi or bracket mushrooms, are intriguing organisms that often go unnoticed despite their vital ecological roles and unique characteristics. These fungi belong to the… |
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| Bramble | Title: Celebrating the Bramble: Nature's Bountiful TreasureIn the tangled depths of hedgerows, along woodland edges, and in neglected corners of gardens, a wild and fruitful marvel thrives, offering a bounty of delights to those who venture to explore its prickly embrace. The bramble,… |
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| Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) | Title: Nature Notes - Bramble (Rubus fruticosus)Whilst out for a stroll, scouring the blackberry bushes for interesting things to see and photograph, it occurred to me just what a vital plant the common bramble is. I guess we all take brambles for granted, they can be found just about… |
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| Branched Beard Lichen | Title: Ramalina fastigiata: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Branched Beard LichenIn the quiet corners of ancient forests and atop weather-beaten rocks, a remarkable organism thrives, silently weaving itself into the fabric of its surroundings: Ramalina fastigiata, commonly known as the… |
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| Bristly Oxtongue | Title: Exploring the Remarkable Bristly Oxtongue Plant: Nature's Resilient WonderIn the vast tapestry of nature’s botanical offerings, the bristly oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides) emerges as a remarkable yet often overlooked plant species. This herbaceous annual, belonging to the… |
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| Bristly Oxtongue (Picris echioides) | Title: Nature Notes - Bristly Oxtongue (Picris echioides)If you are anywhere near the south coast in late summer or autumn then you will find considerable numbers of this rather untidy plant, the bristly oxtongue.At first glance this might look like another of those hard to identify… |
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| Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) | Title: Nature Notes - Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa)sky blue is a popular colour amongst 'odonata'. In damselflies we see the blue in the common blue damselfly, the azure damselfly, and three or four other less common species and in dragonflies there is the mighty… |
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| Broad Buckler Fern | Title: Unveiling the Majesty of the Broad Buckler Fern: A Green Jewel of Woodland FloorsIn the serene depths of woodland glades and shaded forest edges, a botanical gem adorns the damp earth—the Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata). With its graceful fronds, intricate patterns, and… |
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| Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata) | Title: Nature Notes - Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata)Ferns take some getting used to and even after several years of trying I am till struggling to sort them out! I always find a good strategy with any form of plant or creature is to try and get to know the common species… |
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| Broad-banded hoverfly | Title: Epistrophe grossulariae: Unveiling the Elegance of the Broad-Banded HoverflyIn the intricate dance of pollination and ecological balance, certain insects take center stage, captivating observers with their grace and importance. Among these remarkable creatures is the Broad-Banded… |
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| Broad-banded Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae) | Title: Nature Notes - Broad-banded Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae)Another wasp-mimic hoverfly that can present a headache for the amateur naturalist! There are several similar species and it is one reason why a camera is a great aid to identification. Once you have a photograph they… |
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| Broad-bodied Chaser | Title: Unveiling the Marvel of Nature: The Broad-Bodied Chaser DragonflyIn the vibrant tapestry of the natural world, few creatures captivate the imagination quite like the dragonfly. Among these aerial acrobats, the Broad-Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) stands out as a marvel of… |
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| Broad-leaved Dock | Title: Embracing Diversity: Exploring the Enigmatic Broad-Leaved DockIn the realm of plants, diversity reigns supreme, offering a kaleidoscope of shapes, colors, and adaptations. Among the myriad species that populate our landscapes, the Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) stands out… |
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| Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) | Title: Nature Notes - Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius)When it comes to weeds of cultivation I guess there are few so widespread and vigorous as broad-leaved dock. It is the most sturdy and imposing of the dock family with stout stems, large leaves and elongated flower spikes… |