Braemar Wanderings: Forest Trails, Castle Ruins, and Highland Gems

A Morning Among the Wild at Creag Choinnich The best moments in nature often belong to those who wake early. As I left the hostel to the sound of an enthusiastic dawn chorus, I stepped into the fresh morning air. A robin, perched at the top of a bare tree, sang its heart out. The …

Another Day at Attenborough Nature Reserve

There’s something special about stepping into nature in the early morning. As the world wakes up, the air is fresh, and the only sounds are birdsong and the occasional rustle of leaves. While most people were still lingering over breakfast, I arrived early for an RSPB Local Group field trip, enjoying those precious moments of …

Remembering Rhum: A Fell-Running First on the Isle of Rum

It’s been over three decades since I first set foot on the Isle of Rhum—spelled “Rum” in many an old guidebook. This trip was my second trip to the Isle of Rum, the first being a similar school trip year before with a group and my father. Flipping back through my tattered diary from the …

A Weekend of Adventure in Ilam: Exploring the Peak District

Friday: Arrival and Tranquility at Ilam Hall Driving through the rolling countryside of Derbyshire, my son and I arrived at Ilam Park as the winter sun was just saying goodbye for the day. After a short stroll through the parkland, taking in the views of the River Manifold and the limestone formations that define the region, …

A Mindful Day Among the Reeds: Exploring Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve

There is a calming hush that greets you the moment you step onto the grounds at Blacktoft Sands, located near the banks of the Humber Estuary. In January, with the sun riding low in a crisp winter sky, our local RSPB group arrived to explore this wetland tapestry of reedbeds, lagoons, and marshland. Armed with …

Tides, Trails, and the Eden Project: A Journey from Falmouth to Plymouth Along the South West Coast Path

Falmouth to Treworthal – A Journey Begins Saturday, May 4th, marked the beginning of the next section of our exploration of a bit more of the south west coast path. An early morning start with the alarm jolting me awake at 4:30 a.m. I made it to the 5:30 train from Bristol, a quiet ride …

Rediscovering Childhood: A Journey Through Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset Inspired by Enid Blyton

There’s a unique magic in retracing the footsteps of one’s childhood, especially when those steps lead through the enchanting landscapes that inspired some of the most beloved adventure stories ever written. My recent week-long holiday through Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset was not just a trip down memory lane but a bridge connecting my past to …

The Birdwatcher’s Yorkshire Three Peaks: A Weekend of Wildlife at Yorkshire’s Nature Reserves

From Coal Face to Wild Place: A RSPB local group field trip at Fairburn Ings Another weekend, another adventure. After wrapping up work, we swapped our usual camping gear for binoculars and warm layers, loading up the car for a change of pace. This time, we were heading north of Leeds for a cozy night …

A Family Weekend at North Cave Wetlands on an RSPB Field Trip

This weekend transformed into a memorable mini-break for all of us. After a relaxing evening at a charming Airbnb in Hemingbrough, we set out early for YWT North Cave Wetlands, buzzing with excitement. We joined our local RSPB group for a field trip, starting at the welcome area, which featured picnic benches and offered great …

RSPB Local Group day at Attenborough Nature Reserve

Stepping out of the car into the mist of an early morning at Attenborough Nature Reserve, we were immediately enveloped in a world of anticipation and wonder. This nature reserve, transformed from its past life as gravel pits, stood ready to reveal its secrets to us. The visitor centre, cafe and shop, emerging like a …