#durhamwildlifetrust

Saturday's are made for swanning about and I have to say, it was rather pleasant to have some respite from this spell of summer heat as cloud rolled in off the North Sea near where I live and brought temperatures down a degree or two. I do like the blue skies, sunshine and warmth that summer brings, but once the mercury starts climbing above 21°C, I definitely begin to wilt! Still warm today, but without the merciless sun beating down, quite enjoyable swanning about around Rainton Meadows nature reserve at Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland in NE England. #sunderland #durhamwildlifetrust #countryside #summer #july #landscape #pond #photography

February is usually the month I like to go and take a photograph or two at my favourite spot for snowdrops, although this year, largely due to the weather, I didn't think it was going to happen. So, I was so pleased to get the chance to pay a visit this afternoon to Hawthorn Dene, Co Durham in NE England, where the annual display once again was looking quite magnificent. Thanks to yet more overnight rain, the path through the dene was quite muddy in parts but at least it was feeling mild and spring-like at 14°C. The snowdrops in and around Hawthorn Dene regularly draw a steady stream of visitors who also enjoy the miles of woodland and nearby coastal footpaths. #engalnd #durhamwildlifetrust #durham #countryside #snowdrops #photography