Nestled in the English Channel, the island of Guernsey is an errant castaway that provides the perfect location for a bit of romance. Guernsey is blessed with picturesque bays, beaches, an intriguing history, a thriving port, a castle, a rugged…
Romantic places to date in the Isle of Man
Being a rugged island in the Irish Sea doesn’t stop the Isle of Man from being the perfect place for romance. Whether it’s the mountains, the coastline, traditional port towns, an old fortress or an even older castle, the Isle…
Manchester staycation inspiration: Goat yoga in Rossendale
I first heard of goat yoga in Manchester when my friend saw a couple doing on the Indian Matchmaking show on Netflix, she went online and found it in Rossendale. After lockdown and with my birthday coming up, we were…
Urban birdwatching: The secret wildlife of Fletcher Moss Park in Didsbury
Even though I live in Chorlton, I didn’t even visit Didsbury’s Fletcher Moss Park until lockdown, but when I did I realised that it is an absolute urban wildlife paradise, especially for birds. Fletcher Moss Park contains its own rockery…
Deer rutting and birdwatching at Dunham Massey
The National Trust estate of Dunham Massey is a treat for wildlife lovers in so many ways, whether its birdwatching or deer rutting that you’re interested in. Located in the borough of Trafford in Greater Manchester near Altrincham, the Dunham…
Urban birdwatching at Stretford Ees in Manchester
The floodplain of Stretford Ees is a secret birding site next to the River Mersey and Turn Moss in Chorlton. This undiscovered gem in the Mersey Valley is the perfect place for urban birding in South Manchester and I only…
The secret wildlife of a Manchester power station
Most of us live near some sort of power station, but do we ever stop to look up and see what wildlife may be hiding in plain sight? Power stations are so big, yet easily overlooked and the height means…
Urban wildlife in Chorlton Water Park in Manchester
Chorlton Water Park is a real wildlife oasis in South Manchester and its proved to be a real lifeline for people during the coronavirus lockdown. Just like Sale Water Park, the lake is made from a flooded gravel pit that…
Urban birding in Kenworthy Wood in Manchester
South Manchester’s Kenworthy Woods is a 55-acre woodland full of urban wildlife and birdwatching. It is situated next to the River Mersey between Chorlton and Northern Moor, just across the river from the ever-popular Chorlton Water Park near Merseybank Estate…
The secret garden (wild)life of Merseybank Estate in Manchester
I have lived on Merseybank Estate in Chorlton for six years and like many people I became more obsessed with wildlife during the coronavirus lockdown. As I was working from home, I spent my lunch breaks and evening watching everything…
11 books by Black British writers about race and history in the UK
The UK has long had problems with systemic racism and white supremacy, so it isn’t surprising that many talented Black British authors have written some great books about it. In a time when race is still not the mainstream conversation…
Urban birdwatching at Sale Water Park and Sale Ees in Manchester
Sale Water Park is a great place for urban birdwatching in Manchester and as it’s in my local area I’ve been photographing birds and logging my sightings here during lockdown. The park used to be a gravel pit which was…