Time To Get outdoors?

Welcome to Nature Walks with Carol—Join me as we slow down, step outside, and explore the quiet wonders waiting in the countryside of the East of England.

On my walks through its peaceful paths and fields, I pause and observe, noticing what’s often missed:

The way sunlight reflects off the leaves as I pass.
The feel of walking through tall field grasses.
The distinct sound of a rook's wings beating the sky overhead.
The smell of the meadowsweet growing along the verges.

Bring a camera if you like, or just your eyes. Either way, it's really about simply watching and waiting.

No special gear. No need to name everything you see. Just time, curiosity, and the chance to truly see the world around you.

For many, this deeper seeing naturally leads to wanting to pay even closer attention.

For me, walking with a camera isn’t just about photography—it’s about that specific focus.

This site is my way of sharing that with you. So, step outside. Let your feet find the path.

The countryside is waiting.

Photographic Opportunities

Bringing a camera on your walks opens up wonderful creative possibilities.

Thinking about the light, the time of year, and even the weather can help you make the most of capturing the moments you notice. Here are a few things to consider:

You can also find specific guidance if you're looking at getting started with wildlife photography.

The Time of Day

Light changes everything. It shifts with the hours, reshaping the landscape.

Morning mist lingers over fields.
Low sun filters through trees, stretching shadows across the path.
In the evening, the sky fades to gold, and silhouettes sharpen against the last light.

Photographers often seek out the Golden Hours - those moments at dawn and dusk when soft, warm light washes over the land and turns even the simplest scene into something extraordinary.

But don’t overlook low light situations. Overcast skies, mist, and the dim hush before rain can create moody, atmospheric shots - just as striking, just as full of life.

Time of Year

Every season brings its own treasures to photograph:

Spring: Bluebells carpeting the woodlands
Summer: Butterflies fluttering through wildflower meadows.
Autumn: Crisp woodland walks with leaves in every shade of red and gold.
Winter: Capturing a spectacular winter sunrise, perhaps while watching short-eared owls hunt over the Nene Washes.

No matter the time of year, there’s always something waiting to be discovered through your lens.

Ideal Conditions?

Before you head out, take a quick glance at the forecast.

Overcast skies? Perfect for even, shadow-free lighting - learng how to make the most of these conditions with low light photography techniques.

Sunny days? They’ll give you striking contrasts and opportunities for playful shadows.

And don’t shy away from the rain—it’s amazing how puddles, raindrops, and mist can transform a scene into something truly dramatic.

Photography is all about learning to see the world differently, whatever the conditions. So grab your camera, step outside, and start experimenting.

You might be surprised by what catches your eye!

Counties to Visit

Now that we know when to head out, let’s talk about where our walks could take us.

We’ll explore the beautiful Eastern Counties of England.

Each of these regions hosts a variety of habitats, each offering its own unique charm and fascinating wildlife ready to explore.

Cambridgeshire: Think vast open skies and peaceful riversides, perfect for spotting dragonflies or brightly coloured kingfishers.
East Yorkshire: From dramatic cliffs to farmland, the area is teeming with life, from puffins to hares.
Norfolk: Coastal beauty and expansive wetlands create a haven for nature lovers, offering sightings of avocets, marsh harriers, stunning Swallowtail butterflies, and even seals!
Northamptonshire: A mix of ancient woodlands and rolling countryside—ideal for capturing deer, squirrels, or the dappled light filtering through the trees.
Rutland: England’s smallest county it may be, but it’s brimming with charm—Rutland Water is a hotspot for ospreys and other wildlife.

No matter the path, your local surroundings teem with wildlife, nature and chances to hone your photography.

Exploring Different Habitats

The East of England boasts an astonishing variety of habitats, each with its own secrets to uncover.

Here’s what you can look forward to as we explore:

Coastal Habitats

The coastline is alive with hardy plants and animals that thrive where land meets sea.

One of the highlights is Bempton Cliffs, where puffins and other seabirds nest precariously on the chalky ledges.

Don’t forget to bring a zoom lens—those cliffs are dramatic, and so are the birds!

Fenland

Fenlands are mysterious, partly drained wetlands that provide a haven for wildlife, especially birds.

Imagine watching the sunrise at Nene Washes, where the early morning light reflects off the water and flocks of birds take flight.

Keep an eye out for wading birds and marsh harriers gliding low over the reeds.

Freshwater Habitats

Rivers and lakes are lifelines for all sorts of creatures.

You might see dragonflies darting like jewels over the water, great crested grebes performing their courtship dance, or even the flash of a kingfisher.

Take some time to quietly watch life unfold on the banks of a river or near a lake—you never know what might appear!

Lowland Heaths

Lowland heaths are open, untamed landscapes filled with swathes of heather and gorse.

These wild areas are home to species like the Dartford Warbler, which flits through the undergrowth, and a variety of emphibians that bask in the sun.

The colours and textures of the heathland make for fantastic photography, especially at golden hour.

Woodlands

There’s something magical about stepping into a shaded woodland, with the scent of earth and the dappled light filtering through the canopy.

These quiet places are home to creatures like deer; you might even glimpse the elusive Purple Emperor butterfly if you visit Fermyn Woods, one of the few UK sites for them.

Visit Monks Wood Nature Reserve for a chance to spot these woodland wonders, and don’t forget to look up—you never know what’s hiding in the treetops.

Meadows

Flower-filled grasslands hum with life in the warmer months, as butterflies and bees flit from bloom to bloom.

Meadows are perfect for slow, contemplative walks and close-up photography.

Take a moment to kneel down and focus on the little details—dew on a petal, or a bee busily gathering pollen.

Ready to Explore?

Before we virtually set off on a walk, let's pause to breathe in the sights and sounds.

My walk reports aim to share the whole experience – the atmosphere, the wildlife discoveries, the changing seasons – perfect if you simply want to enjoy an armchair nature adventure.

But you can also use these pages as practical guides!

You'll find details about the reserves and habitats, along with my observations and photos, which might help if you decide to follow in my footsteps and visit these beautiful East of England locations yourself.

And whether you're new to birdwatching or photography, don't worry - you'll find tips and encouragement woven throughout.

Join Me for a Virtual Nature Walk

Let’s learn, discover, and capture the wonders of the natural world together. Along the way, I’ll share:

Practical tips for photography in any weather, so you’re ready no matter the conditions.
Camera settings and photo editing basics, so you can make the most of your equipment.
Insights into storytelling and composition, to help your photos stand out and tell a story.

I’d love to hear about your own nature walks and see the photos you capture! Share your adventures with me, and let’s inspire each other to connect with nature.

Come explore with me! Start your journey by discovering the hidden gems and nature spots in my home county:

See Cambridgeshire Nature Highlights

About the Author

Carol is a wildlife photographer and nature writer based in the East of England, with a passion for peaceful walks, patient observation, and capturing life’s quiet wonders.

Through her lens and words, she shares the stories of the natural world — from bluebells and butterflies to birds like the great crested grebe.

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