Category: Nature

Big Cheese

I’m sorry, I’ll write that again – big trees. This is a Maclura Pomifera named after William Maclure, an American geologist born in Scotland. The Pomifera means fruit-bearing. It should be named after William Dunbar, another Scotsman, who identified it in 1804 when he was travelling from the Mississippi River to the Ouachita River.

The Urban Birder

Remember the Urban Spaceman? I’m the urban spaceman, baby; I’ve got speed I’ve got everything I need I’m the urban spaceman, baby; I can fly I’m a supersonic guy.

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Trees Treat

The weather on Wednesday morning was inclement, nevertheless sixteen Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens gathered under the bandstand in Hyde Park. There was a high attrition level in my party.

Birds in the Parks

An ornithological highlight in Ukraine was seeing cranes nesting beside the road. My Polish and German election observer partners weren’t impressed as they see plenty at home. I said I’d only seen one pair nesting in England and they are made of stainless steel.

Introducing Bali

I met Bali yesterday morning and we clicked. His owner has a problem with her Achilles‘ tendon and cannot take him for walks. As she lives only a few doors away I stepped into the breach.

Hug a Tree

You cannot hug any old tree – it has to be this London Plane. Any questions?

Birds and Bees

Mhar Monastery was founded in 1619. We arrived on a crisp, sunny Saturday morning. The church was built in the 1680s, funded by two Cossack leaders, hetmans, one of whom is our old friend Mazeppa. 

Martens under the Hood

My grandfather thought that there were pine martens living on the thickly wooded banks of the Boyne at Oldbridge but I have never seen one of these shy creatures.

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