Your Field Guide to the Nature on Your Doorstep

From quiet woods in Cambridgeshire to the seabird cliffs of Northumberland, let's turn your next walk into a memorable discovery.

Hi, I'm Carol. A nature lover and photographer with a passion for finding the quiet magic in the world around us. And yes, I'm also pretty good at slipping in the mud.

Does the fear of a day where the magic stays hidden ever hold you back—a whole day out that ends with tired feet and the feeling you missed something?

I’ve been there. My first 'serious' nature walk ended with soggy socks and the firm belief that I just wasn't an 'outdoorsy' person.

I'd seen trees and heard birds, but I hadn't connected.

It took me years to learn the secret wasn't about needing a PhD in birdwatching; it was about knowing that the frantic rustle in the undergrowth is a wren searching for spiders.

It's the difference between seeing a 'brown butterfly' and realizing it's a Speckled Wood, which always flies in spirals to defend its patch of sun.

This is the quiet magic, waiting in plain sight.

New to all this? start here

That shift from just looking to truly seeing doesn't require years of practice.

It starts with removing the guesswork so you can focus on the world in front of you.

Here are a few guides to handle the basics for your very next outing.

A checklist of what to take with you on your first nature walk
How to plan your first wildlife outing
A simple guide to answering the question "What bird is that?"
My essential wildlife photography tips for beginners
A guide to the ducks in the UK - From telling a Gadwall from a Mallard to understanding their behaviour, this is my detailed guide to identifying the ducks you'll meet on your walks.

Stories from the Field

The quiet magic isn't just in the details, it's in the journey. Once you're ready to see where the path can lead, pour a cuppa and step into some of my favourite discoveries.

Each story here is a map you can use for your own adventure, or simply a moment of wonder to enjoy.

A Trip to the Seabird City: RSPB Bempton Cliffs

My notes and photos from a day spent with the puffins, gannets, and razorbills of the East Yorkshire coast.

A Season with the Great Crested Grebe

Follow the great crested grebe's full breeding season, from its stunning courtship dance to carrying fuzzy chicks on its back.

A Spurn Point Adventure: Autumn Migration on the Coast

Join me on a virtual walk around Spurn Point to see the incredible birds and wildlife that arrive with the autumn migration.

How Will You Find Your Magic?

Every journey outdoors is different. Choose a path below to find the guides, stories, and practical tips that are right for you today.

Looking for a New Favourite Spot?

Explore my field notes and detailed guides to the best local walks. We'll discover hidden paths, find the perfect spot for a quiet afternoon, and turn a simple walk into an adventure.

Want to Know Who You're Meeting Out There?

A nuthatch coming down a tree head first

From brazen swans to shy warblers, my identification guides help you finally put a name to the locals and understand the stories behind their behaviour.

Ready to Capture the Magic You See?

Learn the secrets to taking photos you'll be proud of. My practical guides cover everything from the basics to getting that perfect shot even when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Scouting Reports from the Field

A great trip starts with a good plan. But the official map doesn't always tell you the whole story. It doesn't tell you where the sun will be for that golden hour shot, which hide gets the best afternoon light, or what you might actually see during the specific month you're visiting.

These are the counties I know best. Explore my field notes to help make your next adventure a memorable one.

Cambridgeshire

Discover my detailed guides to the county's best fens, woods, and nature reserves.

East Yorkshire

Explore towering chalk cliffs, bustling seabird colonies, and the wild, ever-changing coastline of the Holderness coast.

Norfolk

Journey into the unique landscape of the Broads in search of Britain's largest and most spectacular butterfly.

Northamptonshire

Explore Northamptonshire's peaceful woodlands and quiet river trails - a perfect haunt for kingfishers and woodland butterflies

Rutland

Witness the world-famous Rutland Ospreys as they dive for fish in the vast reservoir. My guide shares the story of their magnificent return.

About the Author

For me, it’s never been just about bird names or camera settings. It’s about the quiet thrill of understanding the story unfolding in front of you. The moment a "weed" becomes a butterfly nursery, or a distant speck resolves into a hunting kestrel.

My camera is the tool I use to capture that magic, but my real passion is sharing it. This site is my digital field notebook, my collection of trips, and my invitation to you to stop, look a little closer, and find your own connection to the incredible nature on our doorstep.

Step Behind the Wild Lens

If you've enjoyed your time here, the journey doesn't have to end.

I send out the Wild Lens newsletter on an occasional basis. It's where I share my latest field notes, the stories behind my favourite photos, and practical tips that don't always make it onto the site. It's your dose of quiet magic, delivered right to your inbox.

Join our community of curious explorers.