Don’t Fly Off the Handle
Bumblebees definitely, ladybirds of course and butterflies obviously. The invariably positive responses received when discussing the mini beasts in...
"I write as I see, feel, and experience the world around me—sharp, untamed, and always changing. Nature isn’t just a backdrop to life; it’s the pulse of life itself. The cool soil beneath our feet, the shift in the air before a storm, the quiet industry of insects in the undergrowth.
Growing up, nature was my playground. Birds weren’t just a backing track; they were neighbours, companions, constant presences. Hedgehogs caught my attention as they bustled noisily through the undergrowth, while butterflies and bees dazzled in their numbers, colours, and diversity. The land itself was alive. But over time, I saw something change. Nature was shrinking—the dawn chorus grew quieter, the wild corners disappeared, and the creatures that had once been ever-present began to retreat.
My writing isn’t about rekindling something lost; it’s about recognising what’s still here. I don’t write to teach—I write to share. Moments, memories, and thoughts from a lifetime of watching, listening, and being part of the natural world. I take the science, the folklore, the things remembered from childhood, and those only understood with age, and I set them down as they come to me.
From the soil to the sky, nature is always speaking. This is just my way of joining the conversation."
Bumblebees definitely, ladybirds of course and butterflies obviously. The invariably positive responses received when discussing the mini beasts in...
Scientists who study the animals and plants that adopt human dominated (urban) ecosystems have a term for their work; adapters, exploiters and avoi...
Do you remember being thoroughly soaked in a downpour? So wet, the decision was whether to laugh or cry, because escaping wasn’t an option? I’d wag...
From the earliest green leaves in spring, to the potent aroma of flowering nettles in summer and ending with the aggressive stings of decaying autu...
Britain is the most nature depleted nation on the planet. This is a shocking state of affairs, with massive loss of habitat, intensive agriculture ...
The wonderful thing about nature is the more we learn, the more we find there is to learn. Hedgehogs are a prime example, instantly identifiable an...
I recently stayed at a remote woodland lodge with the intention of doing a bit of photography. Maybe the escape from the hustle and bustle of human...
Another year draws to a close and as families gather, celebrating Christmas with feasts of food and roaring fires, I thought I’d spare a thought fo...
As Christmas approaches, we start planning our great get togethers with friends and family, gifts and decorations and generally wrapping ourselves ...
As spring draws to a close and the frantic pace of nature settles into the calmer summer months, it gives us time to reflect on what’s good and wha...
I may be the wildlife man but I’m also husband, father and friend. Wildlife is just one aspect of my life. Weekends are spent in the garden with fa...
Every now and again spring upsets the rhythms of the natural world. One year it’s the ‘beast from the east’ next we’re ‘basking in sunshine’. Weath...
Over the last decade goldfinches have become a fixture of the bird table and bird feeders and astonishingly now regularly appear in the BTO ‘Garden...
The more successful species seem to display a higher level of co-operation and social behaviour than solitary animals and we can see this clearly d...
To a casual observer the birds and wildlife in our parks and gardens may appear to remain constant throughout the year, despite our changing season...
Kissing under the mistletoe, mistletoe and wine, and a bird called mistle thrush. Other than these and its use as a Christmas decoration, what do w...
Today a thought entered my head, while we prepare for our annual overindulgence called Christmas, including the traditional dinner, full tummies, a...
As summer draws to a close and autumn colours adorn the landscape, our garden wildlife enter a period of plenty and planning.
Bold, brassy and brilliant that’s me. While many a first reaction to my appearance may be to reach for the weed killer or garden fork, please first...
Does a good wildlife garden need to be overgrown, full of nettles, contain a big pond and be out of bounds to people and pets? Of course not, a goo...
Anyone who knows me (or quickly glances through our catalogue) will tell you I’m mad about hedgehogs.
Personally speaking, I can sit watching my wildlife pond for hours on end, the mystery and intrigue, the dramas unfolding, the endless surprises of...
Homage in appreciation of our humble common frog. While many will react with an ‘eek’, ‘urgh’, ‘yucky’, or ‘slimy’ comment, and sadly so many end u...
Over recent decades the open country has become hostile to hedgehogs. More and more are moving in to urban areas and occupying our gardens. Making ...