Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

Another 30 degrees plus day for a visit to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve which was the first example of a gravel pit site being developed for the purpose of nature conservation. This former quarry is owned by Tarmac and leased to Kent Wildlife Trust under a long term agreement for the benefit of wildlife and enjoyment of all. As well as birds, dragonflies and damselflies there is also a diverse community of plants, fungi and other wildlife. The nature reserve covers 73 hectares and comprises five lakes surrounded by woodland, with ponds, seasonally flooded pools as well as grassland and small areas of reedbed, while the river Darent flows through the northern part of the reserve and supports a reasonable population of invertebrates and fish. There is a very impressive recently rennovated Visitor Centre. Dragonflies everywhere including in the beaks of all the water birds. The Egrets and the young Moorhen kept us entertained along with Great Crested grebes, a Heron family, Lapwing etc

Kent Dragonflies

Great day dragonfly hunting in Kent resulting in two species that I haven't photographed before: the Lesser Emperor with its striking blue segments and the Small Red Eye Damselfly identified by the markings on the end of the abdomen (Small Red-eyed on left in each pair).

Knole National Trust, Kent,

Knole was extended from an earlier manor house in the 15th century and became a royal possession during the Tudor dynasty when Henry VIII's daughter lived and Elizabeth I is also said to have visited. From 1603, Thomas Sackville made it the aristocratic treasure house for the Sackville family, who were prominent and influential in court circles. Over more than 400 years, his descendants rebuilt and then furnished Knole in three further bursts of activity.

Thomas Sackville's Jacobean great house, unlike any surviving English great house apart from Haddon Hall, still looks as it did when Thomas died, having managed "to remain motionless like this since the early 17th century", balanced between growth and decay.

Elmey Marshes, Isle of Sheppey

I stopped for a couple of hours on the Isle of Sheppey on my way to give a talk at Ashford PS. Mainly spent the time bird watching but first a few infrared landscapes followed by some of the birds.

Chatham Salute to the 40s

 Thirty Members of Cambridge Camera club and friends and relatives had a coach trip to  Chatham Dockyard on Saturday to record their Salute to the '40s Event. Among the reenactors were these photographers and a very extrovert rope seller. There did seem to be a bit of puzzlement as to how to use the old camera equipment especially the light meter.