Fall

10 of the best places to spot migratory birds in the UK

~ Michael Stevenson ~ Leave a comment

Autumn is a brilliant time to see birds arriving and heading off in their thousands. Spectacular movements can be seen all over the UK, but we choose 10 special spots

Spurn Point, East Yorkshire
This narrow thread of land – actually classed as a sand tidal island – facing Grimsby is home to a bird observatory that records prodigious quantities of migrants and rarities. An easterly wind will bring thousands of birds passing through.

Dungeness, Kent

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 A view across one of the main lakes at Dungeness’s RSPB reserve. Photograph: Adam McCulloch

Given its lighthouses, miniature railway, nuclear power station, curious shacks and shingle, the peninsula is a unique spot even without the vast array of bird and insect life that uses it to launch off over the English Channel. A bird observatory and excellent RSPB reserve keep track of the comings and goings. Continue reading →

Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling – Best of 2018

~ Michael Stevenson ~ Leave a comment

A hilarious viral video captures crowds hurling themselves down a hill – and executing some spectacular tumbles – in pursuit of a wheel of cheese.

The bizarre event – which took place on Monday – has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a 19th century heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring.

Every year, at the very top of the Cooper’s Hill at Brockworth, the master of ceremonies releases a nine-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The wheel can take on speeds of over 70mph as it rolls 200 yards down the 1:2 gradient. [ . . . ]

• Read more at The Express