Nature writing – Page 3 – Raven on the Wing

Bridge over turbid water

A few years ago I watched an interview with Sting, where he talked about growing up on Tyneside, with the River Tyne and the ship yards right at the end of his street. This was the inspiration for his debut musical, “The Last Ship”. We had a river at the end of our street to. Continue reading “Bridge over turbid water”

To see a thousand things – a Northumbrian nature quest

This is an account of my quest to see 1,000 different species, in Northumbria, in 2021. Why? Well as an ecologist it might reasonably be assumed that I am quite good at identifying wildlife but while I may know “stuff” about wildlife, I’m not that great at “spot the difference” and with wildlife, spotting theContinue reading “To see a thousand things – a Northumbrian nature quest”

Tales of a timid traveller – (Part 3) Eden

I don’t know if elephant droppings are atheism’s ultimate proof but you have to admit, if God created the Garden of Eden he hadn’t thought elephants through properly. This particular Eden was the shore of Lake Nzelakela in the Selous, Tanzania. In early November the short rains had jump-started the trees and splashed the hippo-greyContinue reading “Tales of a timid traveller – (Part 3) Eden”