Welcome to my Blog!

It was in 2012, when I learnt that the Woodside Link was going to carve a route through the wedge-shaped patch of semi-wilderness between Parkside and Lewsey Farm, and through the fields up to the M1, that I started recording my sightings of wildlife there, and taking photographs of my favourite views, because I knew they wouldn't be there much longer.  I also started reporting my sightings of rare flowers such as orchids, endangered wildlife such as water voles, and birds on the Bedfordshire Natural History Society Website.  I have photographed the trees and bushes in all seasons so that I have a record of what I used to enjoy most days just a few steps from my home. 

This blog is for anyone with an interest in conserving nature through the trauma of road and house building, but in particular for residents of Parkside, Houghton Regis, neighbours and dog walkers I meet and chat with when walking in the area, as well as all those involved in these road and housing projects.

Already since vegetation clearance started in February 2015 much has changed and there is much to report.  Today, the rare wild black poplar pictured in my heading has been trimmed because it was sadly damaged last August in a hurricane.  But being rare it is protected and will eventually recover its beautiful shape.

Here it is in all seasons -



Standing out against a dawn sky in January



After the tornado August 2014





In the process of being trimmed 30th March 2015

Adorned with rosebay willowherb August 2012

The distinctive red catkins in April