St.George's Island at Looe on Sunday 10th August 25 with the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust.

 A warm welcome was received from Jon and Claire on our arrival at the jetty of Looe island for our monthly seal survey.

The weather was amazing and for most of the day the sea was like a mirror and we watched Gannets diving almost as far as the eye could see, although heat haze did affect lots of our distant images.

Being an August Sunday we expected quite a bit of human disturbance to the seals as the calm sea state was an open invitation to boats, jet ski's, kayaks and SUP's.  Fortunately it wasn't as bad as expected and most of the boats and kayaks kept a suitable distance from the hauled out seals as they used the low tide to digest their food. A few jet-ski's stayed off the area until they left in a lot of noise and sea spray!

Jet ski close to seal haul out.

 

 

We had some good birds including a lone Kingfisher, a few Med Gulls, Whimbrel, Oystercatchers,Little Egrets, a Kestrel, numerous GBB Gulls and Herring Gulls, distant Gannets, diving Sandwich Terns, Shags and Cormorants.

 

A distant Kestrel

Cormorants

Little Egret

 

Sandwich Tern

Sandwich Tern

Sandwich Tern

Fulmar chick

 

A few general views of the island....

From the jetty

The old generator shed

Tractor shed welcome

the tractor in situ

The beach looking toward Looe

 

 

Butterflies were also aplenty on this sunny day with Painted Lady, Wall Brown, Whites, Red Admiral & Speckled Wood all showing.

Painted Lady on Red Valerian

Red Admiral on an apple

Red Admiral on an apple

Speckled Wood on same apple

 

To conclude our day on the island 2 young seals played in the fast rising tide by the jetty putting on our final entertainment of the day!

 

Grey Seal

Grey Seal

 

Another truly splendid day on the Cornwall Wildlife Trust flagship island reserve.

Thanks Jon and Claire for your hospitality! See you next month! 

 

 

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Somerset June 2025

 A three day tour for Naturetrek taking in the best Somerset has to offer in June.

Bee Orchid

 

 

The Quantock Hills.

We ventured to Hodder’s Combe in the Quantock Hills, a region famous for its ancient oak woodlands. Here, we spotted a variety of birds, including pied flycatchers, lesser spotted woodpeckers, and redstarts. Among the fungi population were striking specimens of Chicken-of-the-Woods.

Chicken-of-the-Woods

 

One client discovered stoneflies and caddisflies in a stream, highlighting the diversity of aquatic life in the area. We enjoyed lunch at the evocatively named Dead Woman’s Ditch, an historic site thought to be named after a tragic event centuries ago. Moving onward, we took in sweeping views from Black Hill’s trig point, looking across Bridgwater Bay to Wales, with the islands of Flatholm and Steepholm dotting the horizon. Saw Dartford Warblers at this site.

Later, at WWT Steart Marshes on the coast, we observed nesting avocets, oystercatchers, little ringed plovers, and shelducks—an incredible display of wetland wildlife.

Nesting Avocet (from my photo library)

 

 

Somerset Levels.

On the 2nd day we paid a visit to RSPB Ham Wall, the flagship reserve of the Somerset Levels, introduced us to a spectacular array of birdlife, including great crested grebes feeding their young, gadwall, pochard, and the unmistakable booming of bitterns. A sky full of swallows, swifts, and sand martins added to the atmosphere.

 

Great-crested Grebe with youngster. (from my photo library)

Polden Hills.

Lunch at Avalon Marshes Tea Hub provided a moment to relax before heading to Ivythorn Hill on the Polden Hills, a National Trust reserve. Here, the wildflowers were in full bloom, featuring five species of orchids—common spotted, pyramidal, common twayblade, greater butterfly, and bee orchids—alongside an abundance of insects, from great-green bush crickets to lacewings and hoverflies.

Collard Hill was our next stop, but the landscape appeared overgrazed compared to previous years. However, the south-facing escarpment still held pockets of floral beauty, offering sweeping views across Sedgemoor’s wetlands.

Bee Orchid

Common spotted Orchid

Common Twayblade

Greater Butterfly Orchid

 

Scarce Chaser

Marbled White

Great green Bush Cricket

The Dramatic Beauty of Cheddar Gorge

On day 3 we ascended to Blackmoor Reserve on the Mendip Hills National Landscape, where we explored remnants of old lead mines and pond ecosystems. The walk through Nether Woods revealed a tapestry of red campion and fluttering insects.

 Lunch was enjoyed amidst the towering limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, one of Somerset’s most iconic landmarks. Oliver made an exciting discovery—Cheddar Pinks, a rare flower native to the gorge, prompting a few of us to climb higher for photographs.

Cheddar Pinks

 We scanned the ponds near Cheddar village in hopes of spotting water voles but were unsuccessful. However, a peaceful hour spent at Cheddar Reservoir was the perfect way to conclude our exploration.

The Naturetrek Somerset team

 

 

 

 

Isles of Scilly in the Spring, May 2025.

 

Exploring the Isles of Scilly in Spring: A Nature-Lover’s Dream with Naturetrek

 

Sunrise departure from Penzance harbour

 

When you think of the Isles of Scilly, visions of stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, and windswept coastlines come to mind. Our eight-day adventure from the 5th to the 12th of May 2025 delivered all of that—and more.

Arrival & First Impressions

Setting sail aboard the Scillonian III from Penzance, our journey began with stunning views of the Cornish coastline, passing landmarks like the Minack Theatre and Longships Lighthouse. Dolphins played in the waves while Manx shearwaters soared around the boat. As we neared St. Mary’s, the anticipation grew—this was just the beginning.

Once settled into the Star Castle Hotel, we embarked on a walk around the Garrison, where blackcaps, stonechats, and linnets flitted among the wildflowers. The call of cuckoos in the distance set the tone for a memorable week.

 

Songthrush

Wren

Linnet

Island-Hopping Adventures

Each day brought a new adventure, visiting the iconic isles of St. Agnes, Tresco, Bryher, and St. Martin’s. From windswept coastal trails to thriving offshore bird sanctuaries, each location revealed its own distinct charm.

One of the most exhilarating moments was our boat trip around Bishop’s Rock Lighthouse, Annet & the Western Rocks, where puffins, razorbills, guillemots and grey seals greeted us. The seabirds perched on the granite outcrops, watching curiously as we navigated the waters. At Tresco, the renowned Abbey Gardens dazzled with exotic plants, and guests even caught glimpses of the elusive Scilly shrew.

Meanwhile, on St. Agnes, nature treated us to a stunning display of shelducks, wigeons, and whimbrels by the Big Pool. And who could forget Troytown Farm’s famous homemade ice cream? Enjoying a scoop while overlooking the rugged coastline felt like the perfect way to soak in the moment.

Atlantic Puffin

Atlantic Puffin

Guillemots

Black Guillemot

Razorbill

 

A picnic lunch on Bryher

 

Wildlife Highlights

Spring is a spectacular time for wildlife on Scilly. Throughout the trip, we spotted rare birds such as a second-summer purple heron, a great white egret, and, most surprisingly, a black guillemot—the first recorded on the islands since 2004!

Seals basked lazily on rocky shores, while butterflies danced along wildflower-strewn paths. Even unexpected sightings—like a possible weasel below Star Castle’s steps—added an element of mystery to our explorations.

Great White Egret

Great White Egret

Purple Heron

 

Coastal Wonders & Final Farewells

With each passing day, we found ourselves more immersed in the rhythm of these enchanting islands. From quiet moments watching oystercatchers on the beaches to soaking in the last golden sunset over the harbour, every experience felt precious.

Our return voyage on the Scillonian III was filled with seabird sightings, including an unforgettable raft of over 200 Manx shearwaters near Wolf Rock Lighthouse. As Penzance came into view, there was a collective sense of awe—this journey had been very special.

Bryher toward Tresco

Starling carrying bits of pasty to its brood on St.Martins

Grey Seals

Grey Seals

A raft of Manx Shearwaters

 

Looking Ahead

The Isles of Scilly in spring offer something truly magical—whether you’re a seasoned birder, a plant enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a peaceful escape. As we parted ways, there was already talk of a return visit, eager to explore more of these spectacular islands.

Star castle Hotel on St.Mary's.

 

 

Visiting the Bishop's Rock lighthouse

 

Bishop's Rock lighthouse

 

The Turks Head on St.Agnes

 

Pete's ploughmans lunch for one!

 

Bryher towards Tresco

 

 

Another first class tour with Naturetrek to the Isles of Scilly. Checkout their website for future tours and other worldwide destinations at https://www.naturetrek.co.uk/