Reed cutting

Today I learnt two new skills - how to use a scythe and slasher to cut back reeds.  I was amazed how much we were able to clear in one day.  In time this will allow for greater diversity of wild flowers at Chilswell Valley Nature Reserve.

Jim in action

Reeds being moved

Learning how to scythe

Giant horsetail

Signs of a spring

Half of the reeds we cleared

Area cleared

Woolacombe

A busy week in North Devon learning to surf.  Little time to get my camera out but here are a few shots taken on coastal walks.

Spot the crab!

Seal seen off Morte Point

Water voles

On Monday I went to Gloucestershire to watch water voles thanks to wildlife photographer Iain Green who kindly invited me and naturalist Jo Cartmell.  The weather was a mixture of sunshine and showers making photography a little tricky.  The long vegetation that over hang the banks caused low lighting.

A water vole eating a willow herb root.

Roe deer

(Taken by Mum)

Latrine

It was a great day and I look forward to seeing water voles again in the future.

Garden shots

Enjoying being home after going away for a few days. Spotted a Brown Argus on the lavender.

 

Oxford Natural History Museum

Me and my friend Alex, also a blogger and wildlife photography enthusiast, went to the Oxford Natural History Museum to look at the photo gallery for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.  We also attempted to photograph the swifts that nest in the roof of the museum but despite patiently waiting were unsuccessful.

Photographing the swifts

Butterfly walk

Yesterday we went to a wildflower meadow at the bottom of Wittenham Clumps to photograph butterflies with Jo Cartmell.  It was full of them!! We saw Peacocks, Common blues, Brown argus, Meadow brown and excitingly Clouded yellow!

Volunteering in the rain

Recently I went to Chilswell Valley to help cut back reeds and nettles (they were up to the height of my face!).  Like last time it poured with rain which meant I couldn't use my camera all the time.  Here are some photos of what we cleared.  

Andy Gunn showing me the scythe