View allAll Photos Tagged lowlandheath
Taken a good while ago now on my only visit to see these lovely, but rare birds. Walking along the path through the heath, I came upon a group of 4 youngsters with parents feeding their young; youngsters occasionally popping out of the gorse and bramble bushes where the parents had secreted them, to check for the latter's return with food. I waited around and watched from the path for a while and managed a few shots.
Thanks for viewing and thank you for your faves and comments
Male Cuckoo - looking perhaps wistfully at the sky and that long flight back to Africa in a month or so's time - the seventh time for this bird I understand?
Rainworth Heath Nature Reserve in full bloom, a rare example of the threatened lowland heath ecosystem, which is protected and restored by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. One fifth of the world's remaining lowland heaths are in the UK. September 2021. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, UK
Cannock Chase seemed busier than usual today but we still managed to find a little space to enjoy a pleasant afternoon stroll.
A patch of rare and threatened lowland heath in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, UK. This small part of Sherwood is managed as a Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve.
RSPB Hazeley Heath, North Hampshire. Hazeley Heath is one of the last remaining remnants of lowland heathland in the UK, and a stronghold of the Stonechat, Nightjar, Woodlark as well as a small pack of Fallow deer.
Rainworth Heath Nature Reserve, a rare patch of the threatened lowland heath ecosystem in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, UK. The reserve is managed by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
It was a bit windy up on a hill of the Chase today, but that didn't dampen the ardour of these two Green Hairstreak butterflies.
Green-eyed Flower Bee / anthophora bimaculata. Minsmere, Suffolk. 22/07/20.
My all-time favourite bee species and I only get to see them on the Suffolk coast. They are diminutive in size, ear-splitting in 'hum volume' and have the most beautiful eyes of any UK invertebrate I've ever seen.
(View large and you will see the appeal!)
This pollen-laden male had just returned to it's sealed nest burrow and was scraping back grains of sand with it's back legs. I lay inches away with my macro lens focussed on the action. By using a slow shutter speed, I managed to capture some motion blur at the bee's rear end, whilst securing sharp detail of his wonderful eye.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
These were unexpectedly out and about in numbers in the area we decided to walk on Cannock Chase on Wednesday. Although it was a beautiful sunny day, there was a bit of a breeze, and we certainly weren't on the lookout for these gorgeous green butterflies - lovely surprise! As usual, they were full of beans and flitting around all over the place, settling long enough to tease and then chasing each other around at a chaotic pace. I had great fun trying to get shots of them, and have bruises on my knees for my efforts ;-)
Rainworth Heath Nature Reserve, Sherwood Forest. A Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Reserve, Nottinghamshire, UK.
There was a cold wind on Thursday but we decided to go back to where we'd seen the Green Hairstreak's, just to see if they were still about after the hail and frost (and even brief snow) of the previous couple of days. The weather was forecast to go downhill in the afternoon (which it did) but we had a sunny start and decided to make the most of it. There weren't any to be seen at first, but then I found one resting in a ditch at the track-side. As the sun's warmth continued to try and warm the day, so the resting butterflies began to take to the wing - difficulty being the strength of the wind was increasing and when they flew, they really flew and were very difficult to follow. As the sunny spells became more broken by increasing cloud cover the butterflies started to settle again for shelter. There were definitely less about this time, but still it amazed us that they could survive at all in a cold spell - they look so small and delicate but seem quite comfortable snuggling down on the ground, flattening themselves against the wind, and angling themselves to gain the most benefit from the sun's meandering rays. I even wonder if they get underneath the ground cover at night in order to survive - I guess they must do in such an exposed spot. What amazing creatures they are.
RSPB Hazeley Heath, North Hampshire. Hazeley Heath is one of the last remaining remnants of lowland heathland in the UK, and a stronghold of the Stonechat, Nightjar, Woodlark as well as a small pack of Fallow deer.
Three Shots stitched together. Dog appeared fro the middle shot.
View from Bickerton Hill towards Wirral and Liverpool
113 in 2013, #3 - Canine
After a couple of previous sightings of this amazing species (including one at this exact spot a couple of years ago) I finally found one that stayed long enough to get some photos. This is probably the biggest fly species in the UK, at about an inch long. It's very loud too! They, like all robberflies are superb hunters of other insects, This species needs a good local supply of animal dung for laying their eggs, and nearby to this spot is a rabbit warren,, so it's more than likely that's why this spot is perfect for them!
After a couple of previous sightings of this amazing species (including one at this exact spot a couple of years ago) I finally found one that stayed long enough to get some photos. This is probably the biggest fly species in the UK, at about an inch long. It's very loud too! They, like all robberflies are superb hunters of other insects, This species needs a good local supply of animal dung for laying their eggs, and nearby to this spot is a rabbit warren,, so it's more than likely that's why this spot is perfect for them!
Walking on Heathland in the summer is quite an experience. The habitat looks more like you would see in the Mediterranean. It does not look a typical British habitat but it is. Sadly we have lost 80% of our heathland and could lose more if we do not protect them. Heathland is a good habitat for many invertebrates some which are not found elsewhere as well as plants which can only be found here. Southern heathland is a good place to see the Dartford Warbler a bird which has a restricted range in the UK. I saw many Dartford warblers on Studland Heath and the site of them perching on top of gorse bushes and singing their scratchy song is memorable part of the visit.
Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR
The Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR is on the Isle of Purbeck on the southern side of Poole Harbour, 4 km north of Swanage.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 631 Ha
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Studland and Godlingston Heath reserve is owned and managed by the National Trust .
The reserve includes 5 km of sandy beaches and has outstanding wildlife interest supporting a wide variety of habitats: heathland, woodland, scrub, bogs, freshwater and sand dunes. The reserve is of international nature conservation significance. All six British reptile species can be found here and there are large wildfowl populations.
Any time of year is suitable for a visit, with wildfowl being the main drawing point in winter, and heathland wildlife in the summer.
How to get there
By car, access to the area is via the B3351 from the A351. The B3351 terminates on the coast at the village of Studland and from here a minor road (Ferry Road) runs north through the reserve to South Haven Point. There are a number of car parks in Studland and within the reserve.
A regular ferry services from Poole Harbour to South Haven Point is provided by the Sandbanks Ferry .
The nearest train station is in Wareham (8 km to the north west) served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive rail service between Swanage and the town of Norden (mid-way between Swanage and Wareham) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services from Wareham to Swanage, and from Swanage to South Haven Point via Studland are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company . Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The reserve is on the route of a National Trail, the South West Coast Path , and there are also three cycle routes in the area: the Sandbanks Ferry Link, which runs the length of the reserve from Swanage via Studland, the Purbeck Cycleway and Route 2 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation in the area, both on the Isle of Purbeck and in Poole .
Facilities
There is a visitor centre at Knoll Beach 1 km north of Studland. The centre has a seasonal cafe and shop and there are other refreshment facilities on the beachfront within the reserve. There are also designated picnic and barbecue areas.
There are a number of toilets along the beachfront. All have baby-changing facilities.
There are disabled toilets along the beachfront with RADAR locks. Wheelchairs and pushchairs adapted for use on sand are available for hire and a boardwalk provides easy access to the beach.
Wardens are available to give guided tours of the reserve and there are a number of nature trails through the site ranging from 400 metres to 1.5 km. Leaflets and signs are also available to aid visitors.
What to see
Little Sea: sand dune ridges have built up over the last 400 years to enclose an acidic freshwater lake - the Little Sea - in the north of the reserve. The lake attracts wintering wildfowl and there are four hides overlooking Little Sea. An inlet of Poole Harbour can be viewed from a hide at Brands Bay to the west of Little Sea.
Agglestone: a conspicuous landmark, the Agglestone is a large block of iron-rich sandstone which has resisted erosion.
Godlingston Heath: the heath is one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland heathland. The site supports large populations of Dartford warblers, nightjars and all six British reptile species. Wintering waders feed here at low tide and many then move to the north end of Studland beach to rest at high tide. Little egrets roost throughout the winter. The reserve also has particularly rich populations of dragonflies, grasshoppers, bees and wasps.
As well as wildlife there are archaeological remains throughout the reserve, ranging from mysterious man-made hollows, barrows and standing stones to 20th century bunkers (pill boxes) and shell holes.
Walking on Heathland in the summer is quite an experience. The habitat looks more like you would see in the Mediterranean. It does not look a typical British habitat but it is. Sadly we have lost 80% of our heathland and could lose more if we do not protect them. Heathland is a good habitat for many invertebrates some which are not found elsewhere as well as plants which can only be found here. Southern heathland is a good place to see the Dartford Warbler a bird which has a restricted range in the UK. I saw many Dartford warblers on Studland Heath and the site of them perching on top of gorse bushes and singing their scratchy song is memorable part of the visit.
Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR
The Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR is on the Isle of Purbeck on the southern side of Poole Harbour, 4 km north of Swanage.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 631 Ha
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Studland and Godlingston Heath reserve is owned and managed by the National Trust .
The reserve includes 5 km of sandy beaches and has outstanding wildlife interest supporting a wide variety of habitats: heathland, woodland, scrub, bogs, freshwater and sand dunes. The reserve is of international nature conservation significance. All six British reptile species can be found here and there are large wildfowl populations.
Any time of year is suitable for a visit, with wildfowl being the main drawing point in winter, and heathland wildlife in the summer.
How to get there
By car, access to the area is via the B3351 from the A351. The B3351 terminates on the coast at the village of Studland and from here a minor road (Ferry Road) runs north through the reserve to South Haven Point. There are a number of car parks in Studland and within the reserve.
A regular ferry services from Poole Harbour to South Haven Point is provided by the Sandbanks Ferry .
The nearest train station is in Wareham (8 km to the north west) served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive rail service between Swanage and the town of Norden (mid-way between Swanage and Wareham) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services from Wareham to Swanage, and from Swanage to South Haven Point via Studland are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company . Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The reserve is on the route of a National Trail, the South West Coast Path , and there are also three cycle routes in the area: the Sandbanks Ferry Link, which runs the length of the reserve from Swanage via Studland, the Purbeck Cycleway and Route 2 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation in the area, both on the Isle of Purbeck and in Poole .
Facilities
There is a visitor centre at Knoll Beach 1 km north of Studland. The centre has a seasonal cafe and shop and there are other refreshment facilities on the beachfront within the reserve. There are also designated picnic and barbecue areas.
There are a number of toilets along the beachfront. All have baby-changing facilities.
There are disabled toilets along the beachfront with RADAR locks. Wheelchairs and pushchairs adapted for use on sand are available for hire and a boardwalk provides easy access to the beach.
Wardens are available to give guided tours of the reserve and there are a number of nature trails through the site ranging from 400 metres to 1.5 km. Leaflets and signs are also available to aid visitors.
What to see
Little Sea: sand dune ridges have built up over the last 400 years to enclose an acidic freshwater lake - the Little Sea - in the north of the reserve. The lake attracts wintering wildfowl and there are four hides overlooking Little Sea. An inlet of Poole Harbour can be viewed from a hide at Brands Bay to the west of Little Sea.
Agglestone: a conspicuous landmark, the Agglestone is a large block of iron-rich sandstone which has resisted erosion.
Godlingston Heath: the heath is one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland heathland. The site supports large populations of Dartford warblers, nightjars and all six British reptile species. Wintering waders feed here at low tide and many then move to the north end of Studland beach to rest at high tide. Little egrets roost throughout the winter. The reserve also has particularly rich populations of dragonflies, grasshoppers, bees and wasps.
As well as wildlife there are archaeological remains throughout the reserve, ranging from mysterious man-made hollows, barrows and standing stones to 20th century bunkers (pill boxes) and shell holes.
Sunrise over an area of lowland heath in Cheshire
Many thanks to everyone who comments or faves my shots. Regards Steve
Hartland Moor NNR
Hartland Moor NNR is a superb example of an extensive heathland site.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 243 Ha
The NNR covers an entire drainage basin and is unique in having a Y-shaped bog system which includes both acid and alkaline drainage systems. Heathland is a rare and threatened habitat, and many of the species of plants and animals found on Hartland are equally rare.
Hartland Moor NNR is adjacent to Stoborough Heath NNR.
Typical plants found on site are ling, cross-leaved heath, bell heather, bog asphodel, white beak sedge, western gorse, and rarities such as Dorset heath, marsh gentian and bog orchid. Heathland insects include rare heath and large marsh grasshoppers, and the site supports birds such as Dartford warbler, hobby, meadow pipit, stonechat, nightjar and hen-harrier.
Location and access
Hartland Moor is on the south side of Poole Harbour, 4 km south east of Wareham.
By car, the site is accessed via minor roads from the A351. Local villages include Arne, Stoborough Green, Ridge and Norden. The nearest car parks are in Norden (3 km to the south), Arne and Ridge.
The nearest train station is in Wareham served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive service between Norden and Swanage (10 km to the south east) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services connecting Wareham and Swanage pass near the reserve on the A351. Contact the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company for details. Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The NNR is listed as part of the Fieldfare Trust's Millennium Miles project as having disabled access via the Hartland Way, a 410 metre track that follows Scotland Road - the path of a disused tramline. The path is accessed via a gate opposite Middlebere Farm, or via a track off the Slepe Farm to Corfe Castle Road.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
There is a birdwatching hide (which can be accessed via the Hartland Way) at the site, together with signs and a 800 metre nature trail. Leaflets providing visitor information are available.
Hartland Moor NNR
Hartland Moor NNR is a superb example of an extensive heathland site.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 243 Ha
The NNR covers an entire drainage basin and is unique in having a Y-shaped bog system which includes both acid and alkaline drainage systems. Heathland is a rare and threatened habitat, and many of the species of plants and animals found on Hartland are equally rare.
Hartland Moor NNR is adjacent to Stoborough Heath NNR.
Typical plants found on site are ling, cross-leaved heath, bell heather, bog asphodel, white beak sedge, western gorse, and rarities such as Dorset heath, marsh gentian and bog orchid. Heathland insects include rare heath and large marsh grasshoppers, and the site supports birds such as Dartford warbler, hobby, meadow pipit, stonechat, nightjar and hen-harrier.
Location and access
Hartland Moor is on the south side of Poole Harbour, 4 km south east of Wareham.
By car, the site is accessed via minor roads from the A351. Local villages include Arne, Stoborough Green, Ridge and Norden. The nearest car parks are in Norden (3 km to the south), Arne and Ridge.
The nearest train station is in Wareham served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive service between Norden and Swanage (10 km to the south east) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services connecting Wareham and Swanage pass near the reserve on the A351. Contact the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company for details. Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The NNR is listed as part of the Fieldfare Trust's Millennium Miles project as having disabled access via the Hartland Way, a 410 metre track that follows Scotland Road - the path of a disused tramline. The path is accessed via a gate opposite Middlebere Farm, or via a track off the Slepe Farm to Corfe Castle Road.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
There is a birdwatching hide (which can be accessed via the Hartland Way) at the site, together with signs and a 800 metre nature trail. Leaflets providing visitor information are available.
Walking on Heathland in the summer is quite an experience. The habitat looks more like you would see in the Mediterranean. It does not look a typical British habitat but it is. Sadly we have lost 80% of our heathland and could lose more if we do not protect them. Heathland is a good habitat for many invertebrates some which are not found elsewhere as well as plants which can only be found here. Southern heathland is a good place to see the Dartford Warbler a bird which has a restricted range in the UK. I saw many Dartford warblers on Studland Heath and the site of them perching on top of gorse bushes and singing their scratchy song is memorable part of the visit.
Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR
The Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR is on the Isle of Purbeck on the southern side of Poole Harbour, 4 km north of Swanage.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 631 Ha
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Studland and Godlingston Heath reserve is owned and managed by the National Trust .
The reserve includes 5 km of sandy beaches and has outstanding wildlife interest supporting a wide variety of habitats: heathland, woodland, scrub, bogs, freshwater and sand dunes. The reserve is of international nature conservation significance. All six British reptile species can be found here and there are large wildfowl populations.
Any time of year is suitable for a visit, with wildfowl being the main drawing point in winter, and heathland wildlife in the summer.
How to get there
By car, access to the area is via the B3351 from the A351. The B3351 terminates on the coast at the village of Studland and from here a minor road (Ferry Road) runs north through the reserve to South Haven Point. There are a number of car parks in Studland and within the reserve.
A regular ferry services from Poole Harbour to South Haven Point is provided by the Sandbanks Ferry .
The nearest train station is in Wareham (8 km to the north west) served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive rail service between Swanage and the town of Norden (mid-way between Swanage and Wareham) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services from Wareham to Swanage, and from Swanage to South Haven Point via Studland are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company . Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The reserve is on the route of a National Trail, the South West Coast Path , and there are also three cycle routes in the area: the Sandbanks Ferry Link, which runs the length of the reserve from Swanage via Studland, the Purbeck Cycleway and Route 2 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation in the area, both on the Isle of Purbeck and in Poole .
Facilities
There is a visitor centre at Knoll Beach 1 km north of Studland. The centre has a seasonal cafe and shop and there are other refreshment facilities on the beachfront within the reserve. There are also designated picnic and barbecue areas.
There are a number of toilets along the beachfront. All have baby-changing facilities.
There are disabled toilets along the beachfront with RADAR locks. Wheelchairs and pushchairs adapted for use on sand are available for hire and a boardwalk provides easy access to the beach.
Wardens are available to give guided tours of the reserve and there are a number of nature trails through the site ranging from 400 metres to 1.5 km. Leaflets and signs are also available to aid visitors.
What to see
Little Sea: sand dune ridges have built up over the last 400 years to enclose an acidic freshwater lake - the Little Sea - in the north of the reserve. The lake attracts wintering wildfowl and there are four hides overlooking Little Sea. An inlet of Poole Harbour can be viewed from a hide at Brands Bay to the west of Little Sea.
Agglestone: a conspicuous landmark, the Agglestone is a large block of iron-rich sandstone which has resisted erosion.
Godlingston Heath: the heath is one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland heathland. The site supports large populations of Dartford warblers, nightjars and all six British reptile species. Wintering waders feed here at low tide and many then move to the north end of Studland beach to rest at high tide. Little egrets roost throughout the winter. The reserve also has particularly rich populations of dragonflies, grasshoppers, bees and wasps.
As well as wildlife there are archaeological remains throughout the reserve, ranging from mysterious man-made hollows, barrows and standing stones to 20th century bunkers (pill boxes) and shell holes.
Hartland Moor NNR
Hartland Moor NNR is a superb example of an extensive heathland site.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 243 Ha
The NNR covers an entire drainage basin and is unique in having a Y-shaped bog system which includes both acid and alkaline drainage systems. Heathland is a rare and threatened habitat, and many of the species of plants and animals found on Hartland are equally rare.
Hartland Moor NNR is adjacent to Stoborough Heath NNR.
Typical plants found on site are ling, cross-leaved heath, bell heather, bog asphodel, white beak sedge, western gorse, and rarities such as Dorset heath, marsh gentian and bog orchid. Heathland insects include rare heath and large marsh grasshoppers, and the site supports birds such as Dartford warbler, hobby, meadow pipit, stonechat, nightjar and hen-harrier.
Location and access
Hartland Moor is on the south side of Poole Harbour, 4 km south east of Wareham.
By car, the site is accessed via minor roads from the A351. Local villages include Arne, Stoborough Green, Ridge and Norden. The nearest car parks are in Norden (3 km to the south), Arne and Ridge.
The nearest train station is in Wareham served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive service between Norden and Swanage (10 km to the south east) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services connecting Wareham and Swanage pass near the reserve on the A351. Contact the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company for details. Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The NNR is listed as part of the Fieldfare Trust's Millennium Miles project as having disabled access via the Hartland Way, a 410 metre track that follows Scotland Road - the path of a disused tramline. The path is accessed via a gate opposite Middlebere Farm, or via a track off the Slepe Farm to Corfe Castle Road.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
There is a birdwatching hide (which can be accessed via the Hartland Way) at the site, together with signs and a 800 metre nature trail. Leaflets providing visitor information are available.
Hartland Moor NNR
Hartland Moor NNR is a superb example of an extensive heathland site.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 243 Ha
The NNR covers an entire drainage basin and is unique in having a Y-shaped bog system which includes both acid and alkaline drainage systems. Heathland is a rare and threatened habitat, and many of the species of plants and animals found on Hartland are equally rare.
Hartland Moor NNR is adjacent to Stoborough Heath NNR.
Typical plants found on site are ling, cross-leaved heath, bell heather, bog asphodel, white beak sedge, western gorse, and rarities such as Dorset heath, marsh gentian and bog orchid. Heathland insects include rare heath and large marsh grasshoppers, and the site supports birds such as Dartford warbler, hobby, meadow pipit, stonechat, nightjar and hen-harrier.
Location and access
Hartland Moor is on the south side of Poole Harbour, 4 km south east of Wareham.
By car, the site is accessed via minor roads from the A351. Local villages include Arne, Stoborough Green, Ridge and Norden. The nearest car parks are in Norden (3 km to the south), Arne and Ridge.
The nearest train station is in Wareham served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive service between Norden and Swanage (10 km to the south east) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services connecting Wareham and Swanage pass near the reserve on the A351. Contact the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company for details. Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The NNR is listed as part of the Fieldfare Trust's Millennium Miles project as having disabled access via the Hartland Way, a 410 metre track that follows Scotland Road - the path of a disused tramline. The path is accessed via a gate opposite Middlebere Farm, or via a track off the Slepe Farm to Corfe Castle Road.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
There is a birdwatching hide (which can be accessed via the Hartland Way) at the site, together with signs and a 800 metre nature trail. Leaflets providing visitor information are available.
Walking on Heathland in the summer is quite an experience. The habitat looks more like you would see in the Mediterranean. It does not look a typical British habitat but it is. Sadly we have lost 80% of our heathland and could lose more if we do not protect them. Heathland is a good habitat for many invertebrates some which are not found elsewhere as well as plants which can only be found here. Southern heathland is a good place to see the Dartford Warbler a bird which has a restricted range in the UK. I saw many Dartford warblers on Studland Heath and the site of them perching on top of gorse bushes and singing their scratchy song is memorable part of the visit.
Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR
The Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR is on the Isle of Purbeck on the southern side of Poole Harbour, 4 km north of Swanage.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 631 Ha
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Studland and Godlingston Heath reserve is owned and managed by the National Trust .
The reserve includes 5 km of sandy beaches and has outstanding wildlife interest supporting a wide variety of habitats: heathland, woodland, scrub, bogs, freshwater and sand dunes. The reserve is of international nature conservation significance. All six British reptile species can be found here and there are large wildfowl populations.
Any time of year is suitable for a visit, with wildfowl being the main drawing point in winter, and heathland wildlife in the summer.
How to get there
By car, access to the area is via the B3351 from the A351. The B3351 terminates on the coast at the village of Studland and from here a minor road (Ferry Road) runs north through the reserve to South Haven Point. There are a number of car parks in Studland and within the reserve.
A regular ferry services from Poole Harbour to South Haven Point is provided by the Sandbanks Ferry .
The nearest train station is in Wareham (8 km to the north west) served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive rail service between Swanage and the town of Norden (mid-way between Swanage and Wareham) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services from Wareham to Swanage, and from Swanage to South Haven Point via Studland are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company . Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The reserve is on the route of a National Trail, the South West Coast Path , and there are also three cycle routes in the area: the Sandbanks Ferry Link, which runs the length of the reserve from Swanage via Studland, the Purbeck Cycleway and Route 2 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation in the area, both on the Isle of Purbeck and in Poole .
Facilities
There is a visitor centre at Knoll Beach 1 km north of Studland. The centre has a seasonal cafe and shop and there are other refreshment facilities on the beachfront within the reserve. There are also designated picnic and barbecue areas.
There are a number of toilets along the beachfront. All have baby-changing facilities.
There are disabled toilets along the beachfront with RADAR locks. Wheelchairs and pushchairs adapted for use on sand are available for hire and a boardwalk provides easy access to the beach.
Wardens are available to give guided tours of the reserve and there are a number of nature trails through the site ranging from 400 metres to 1.5 km. Leaflets and signs are also available to aid visitors.
What to see
Little Sea: sand dune ridges have built up over the last 400 years to enclose an acidic freshwater lake - the Little Sea - in the north of the reserve. The lake attracts wintering wildfowl and there are four hides overlooking Little Sea. An inlet of Poole Harbour can be viewed from a hide at Brands Bay to the west of Little Sea.
Agglestone: a conspicuous landmark, the Agglestone is a large block of iron-rich sandstone which has resisted erosion.
Godlingston Heath: the heath is one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland heathland. The site supports large populations of Dartford warblers, nightjars and all six British reptile species. Wintering waders feed here at low tide and many then move to the north end of Studland beach to rest at high tide. Little egrets roost throughout the winter. The reserve also has particularly rich populations of dragonflies, grasshoppers, bees and wasps.
As well as wildlife there are archaeological remains throughout the reserve, ranging from mysterious man-made hollows, barrows and standing stones to 20th century bunkers (pill boxes) and shell holes.
Green-eyed Flower Bee / anthophora bimaculata. Minsmere, Suffolk. 23/07/20.
'ARRIVING SAFELY BACK HOME.'
I remember thinking this diminutive bee could have easily sat on my little fingernail with room to spare! Small though she was, her shrill hum was HUGE ... and ear-piercing!
She had made her nest burrow in a slight sandy slope beneath some grasses. Perhaps their roots added stability to it? I noticed others had located in similar places, although it didn't seem to be an exclusive practice.
This female would have sealed up the entrance to her burrow before she left it. On returning, I had watched her flying in ever decreasing circles until she had located the exact spot. In the image, she had just landed and had the task of digging the sandy grains out before she could enter.
Her excavating method was fascinating and done in a set style that never altered :-
* she stood and raised her body up on her middle set of legs
*she dug the sand grains out with her front set of legs
*she pushed away the excavated grains with her back legs.
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
Walking on Heathland in the summer is quite an experience. The habitat looks more like you would see in the Mediterranean. It does not look a typical British habitat but it is. Sadly we have lost 80% of our heathland and could lose more if we do not protect them. Heathland is a good habitat for many invertebrates some which are not found elsewhere as well as plants which can only be found here. Southern heathland is a good place to see the Dartford Warbler a bird which has a restricted range in the UK. I saw many Dartford warblers on Studland Heath and the site of them perching on top of gorse bushes and singing their scratchy song is memorable part of the visit.
Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR
The Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR is on the Isle of Purbeck on the southern side of Poole Harbour, 4 km north of Swanage.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 631 Ha
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Studland and Godlingston Heath reserve is owned and managed by the National Trust .
The reserve includes 5 km of sandy beaches and has outstanding wildlife interest supporting a wide variety of habitats: heathland, woodland, scrub, bogs, freshwater and sand dunes. The reserve is of international nature conservation significance. All six British reptile species can be found here and there are large wildfowl populations.
Any time of year is suitable for a visit, with wildfowl being the main drawing point in winter, and heathland wildlife in the summer.
How to get there
By car, access to the area is via the B3351 from the A351. The B3351 terminates on the coast at the village of Studland and from here a minor road (Ferry Road) runs north through the reserve to South Haven Point. There are a number of car parks in Studland and within the reserve.
A regular ferry services from Poole Harbour to South Haven Point is provided by the Sandbanks Ferry .
The nearest train station is in Wareham (8 km to the north west) served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive rail service between Swanage and the town of Norden (mid-way between Swanage and Wareham) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services from Wareham to Swanage, and from Swanage to South Haven Point via Studland are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company . Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The reserve is on the route of a National Trail, the South West Coast Path , and there are also three cycle routes in the area: the Sandbanks Ferry Link, which runs the length of the reserve from Swanage via Studland, the Purbeck Cycleway and Route 2 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation in the area, both on the Isle of Purbeck and in Poole .
Facilities
There is a visitor centre at Knoll Beach 1 km north of Studland. The centre has a seasonal cafe and shop and there are other refreshment facilities on the beachfront within the reserve. There are also designated picnic and barbecue areas.
There are a number of toilets along the beachfront. All have baby-changing facilities.
There are disabled toilets along the beachfront with RADAR locks. Wheelchairs and pushchairs adapted for use on sand are available for hire and a boardwalk provides easy access to the beach.
Wardens are available to give guided tours of the reserve and there are a number of nature trails through the site ranging from 400 metres to 1.5 km. Leaflets and signs are also available to aid visitors.
What to see
Little Sea: sand dune ridges have built up over the last 400 years to enclose an acidic freshwater lake - the Little Sea - in the north of the reserve. The lake attracts wintering wildfowl and there are four hides overlooking Little Sea. An inlet of Poole Harbour can be viewed from a hide at Brands Bay to the west of Little Sea.
Agglestone: a conspicuous landmark, the Agglestone is a large block of iron-rich sandstone which has resisted erosion.
Godlingston Heath: the heath is one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland heathland. The site supports large populations of Dartford warblers, nightjars and all six British reptile species. Wintering waders feed here at low tide and many then move to the north end of Studland beach to rest at high tide. Little egrets roost throughout the winter. The reserve also has particularly rich populations of dragonflies, grasshoppers, bees and wasps.
As well as wildlife there are archaeological remains throughout the reserve, ranging from mysterious man-made hollows, barrows and standing stones to 20th century bunkers (pill boxes) and shell holes.
Walking on Heathland in the summer is quite an experience. The habitat looks more like you would see in the Mediterranean. It does not look a typical British habitat but it is. Sadly we have lost 80% of our heathland and could lose more if we do not protect them. Heathland is a good habitat for many invertebrates some which are not found elsewhere as well as plants which can only be found here. Southern heathland is a good place to see the Dartford Warbler a bird which has a restricted range in the UK. I saw many Dartford warblers on Studland Heath and the site of them perching on top of gorse bushes and singing their scratchy song is memorable part of the visit.
Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR
The Studland and Godlingston Heath NNR is on the Isle of Purbeck on the southern side of Poole Harbour, 4 km north of Swanage.
County: Dorset
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 631 Ha
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Studland and Godlingston Heath reserve is owned and managed by the National Trust .
The reserve includes 5 km of sandy beaches and has outstanding wildlife interest supporting a wide variety of habitats: heathland, woodland, scrub, bogs, freshwater and sand dunes. The reserve is of international nature conservation significance. All six British reptile species can be found here and there are large wildfowl populations.
Any time of year is suitable for a visit, with wildfowl being the main drawing point in winter, and heathland wildlife in the summer.
How to get there
By car, access to the area is via the B3351 from the A351. The B3351 terminates on the coast at the village of Studland and from here a minor road (Ferry Road) runs north through the reserve to South Haven Point. There are a number of car parks in Studland and within the reserve.
A regular ferry services from Poole Harbour to South Haven Point is provided by the Sandbanks Ferry .
The nearest train station is in Wareham (8 km to the north west) served by South West Trains . A seasonal steam locomotive rail service between Swanage and the town of Norden (mid-way between Swanage and Wareham) is provided by the Swanage Railway .
Local bus services from Wareham to Swanage, and from Swanage to South Haven Point via Studland are provided by the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company . Bus services to Wareham are also provided by First Group .
The reserve is on the route of a National Trail, the South West Coast Path , and there are also three cycle routes in the area: the Sandbanks Ferry Link, which runs the length of the reserve from Swanage via Studland, the Purbeck Cycleway and Route 2 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation in the area, both on the Isle of Purbeck and in Poole .
Facilities
There is a visitor centre at Knoll Beach 1 km north of Studland. The centre has a seasonal cafe and shop and there are other refreshment facilities on the beachfront within the reserve. There are also designated picnic and barbecue areas.
There are a number of toilets along the beachfront. All have baby-changing facilities.
There are disabled toilets along the beachfront with RADAR locks. Wheelchairs and pushchairs adapted for use on sand are available for hire and a boardwalk provides easy access to the beach.
Wardens are available to give guided tours of the reserve and there are a number of nature trails through the site ranging from 400 metres to 1.5 km. Leaflets and signs are also available to aid visitors.
What to see
Little Sea: sand dune ridges have built up over the last 400 years to enclose an acidic freshwater lake - the Little Sea - in the north of the reserve. The lake attracts wintering wildfowl and there are four hides overlooking Little Sea. An inlet of Poole Harbour can be viewed from a hide at Brands Bay to the west of Little Sea.
Agglestone: a conspicuous landmark, the Agglestone is a large block of iron-rich sandstone which has resisted erosion.
Godlingston Heath: the heath is one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland heathland. The site supports large populations of Dartford warblers, nightjars and all six British reptile species. Wintering waders feed here at low tide and many then move to the north end of Studland beach to rest at high tide. Little egrets roost throughout the winter. The reserve also has particularly rich populations of dragonflies, grasshoppers, bees and wasps.
As well as wildlife there are archaeological remains throughout the reserve, ranging from mysterious man-made hollows, barrows and standing stones to 20th century bunkers (pill boxes) and shell holes.
After a couple of previous sightings of this amazing species (including one at this exact spot a couple of years ago) I finally found one that stayed long enough to get some photos. This is probably the biggest fly species in the UK, at about an inch long. It's very loud too! They, like all robberflies are superb hunters of other insects, This species needs a good local supply of animal dung for laying their eggs, and nearby to this spot is a rabbit warren,, so it's more than likely that's why this spot is perfect for them!
After a couple of previous sightings of this amazing species (including one at this exact spot a couple of years ago) I finally found one that stayed long enough to get some photos. This is probably the biggest fly species in the UK, at about an inch long. It's very loud too! They, like all robberflies are superb hunters of other insects, This species needs a good local supply of animal dung for laying their eggs, and nearby to this spot is a rabbit warren,, so it's more than likely that's why this spot is perfect for them!
This is the last of the heather pictures from Dunwich Heath, and the last of the pictures from our weekend in Suffolk.
Lowland heath at Thursley NNR,
NCA 120 - Wealden Greensand
Credit:© Natural England/Simon Duffield
05 February 2015
Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve: open heath is maintained through grazing by ponies. Lowland heath still survives where underlying deposits of sand and gravel give rise to infertile soils.
Credit: © Natural England/Nancy Stedman
At the north-western end of Halkyn Mountain, an extensive lowland heath which was covered in lead mines in the 19th century. Now it's covered in grass, gorse and hawthorn trees and attracts heathland birds like stonechat, whitethroat and great mixed flocks of linnet and goldfinch. It's a rare survival of common land, which is great but I wish it had some nature reserve protection, too.