Stephen M.'s photos with the keyword: durham

Best attempt at capturing the stunning Aurora visible over much of Europe in mid October 2024.

Limekiln Gill is one of a number of steep, wooded valleys that run perpendicular to the North Sea along the Durham coast. Locally these are known as gills or denes/deans and they act as refuge for woodland species that were heavily exploited in a landscape dominated by mining and other industrial activities. Nothing remains of the lime kilns for which this valley was (presumably) named and today it is part of the larger Castle Eden Dene nature reserve.

A true survivor - this crab apple tree is considered to be the oldest in Britain at possibly over a hundred years old. With a girth of over 3.5 metres, it is the widest in the country and also the second largest in Europe. Unfortunately the tree was heavily damaged during a storm in November 2021. The PIPs show the hollow stem of the tree, as well as the damage caused by the storm. The remaining branches are still producing good numbers of apples though! Information from: www.monumentaltrees.com/en/gbr/england/durham/7522_croxdalehall

Another view of the Black Redstart on the cliffs at Seaburn.

A very approachable Black Redstart on the cliffs between Seaburn and Roker. Despite the very cold conditions (lows of -9C), it was managing to find some insects on the sun warmed stones. Black Redstarts are scarce visitors to NE England during spring and autumn migration, with only one or two braving the winter months.