Dorset 13 Golden-ringed Dragonfly

 On our last visit to Kingcombe area, I missed out seeing the Golden-ringed Dragonfly so was delighted to photograph this one which had caught and proceeded to eat a beetle.

Dorset 10: Higher Kingcombe Lodge and Lakes

Our stay at Kingcombe has come to an end though my posts for the rest of the trip will continue for a few days more! It is wonderful place to stay for anyone wanting tranquility, lots of wildlife to watch and photograph, very comfortable self-catering or bed and breakfast and very friendly owners (also fishing!!). I went out early on several morning - here a post from one such visit as the mist rises and then dissipates with the rising sun and the colours strengthen and worm in tone. The damselflies and other reed-life covered in dew are a constant challenge! Higher Kingcombe Lodge

Dorset 6 Kingcombe Centre Wildlife

The Kingcombe National Nature Reserve and the Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre border our accommodation at Higher Kingcombe so a walk there, morning drink and a ramble in the meadows is always on the agenda for our CCC trips here. The insects etc are much sparser this year but still some good finds - Crab Spider, lots of flies, bees and beetles

Dorset 5 Fern Lane Kingcombe

We found this wonderful lane near our accommodation in Dorset by accident but a great find with vibrant ferns lining both sides of the track.

Powerstock and Toller

 A final set of images from Dorset: a newly emerged Southern Hawker with its exuvium; a Beautiful Demoiselle and Mayfly; a Bee Orchid self-pollinating and a mutant flower form growing close by and a very aggressive Crab Spider. It was a very enjoyable trip thanks to Andrea at Higher Kingcome Lodge (a great place to stay)  and to the good company on the trip.

Kingcombe Meadows

 Kingcombe Meadows Reserve is still managed as a working farm, grazed by cows and sheep, using traditional methods without artificial fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides.  The result is a patchwork of fields and unimproved grassland, rich in wild flowers and insect life. This year everything is late so there were many fewer insects than on previous visits, in particular no butterflies and very few grasshoppers. The orchids, buttercups and ragged robin were at their best.