Category: Bristol Post Weekly Column
Here is a selection of articles I have written for the Bristol Post over the years.
Tricked into thinking that spring has already arrived
I AM still trying to work out if we are in winter or are we experiencing an extended autumn. The reason I say this is because the other day we had a little cold snap and it was the first time since last winter I had to scrape ice off of my car windscreen in Read more about Tricked into thinking that spring has already arrived[…]
The Search for the Beef Steak Fungus
As part of the programme of events at Stoke Park, I led a fungus walk. This was a walk with a difference; it was not a race around the park with baskets in hand to see how many edible species we could find to eat, but more about the secret world of fungi and looking Read more about The Search for the Beef Steak Fungus[…]
Why I’m walking to the Bristol Dinosaur’s home
A couple of weeks ago I had a call from Pedro Viegas from the University of Bristol, who is leading the Bristol Dinosaur project with naturalist Ed Drewitt. He asked if I could go to the university and meet him to discuss the project. I jumped at the chance. My heart was pounding with excitement Read more about Why I’m walking to the Bristol Dinosaur’s home[…]
A Day Out In Stoke Park For A Real Wildlife Adventure
Well, another very exciting week again! Over the summer holidays I have been working for Learning Partnership West at Southmead and Lockleaze adventure playgrounds, and what a great success too. I wanted to bring hands-on wildlife exploring to the kids, so, over the last 4 weeks, I led the staff and groups of families on wildlife Read more about A Day Out In Stoke Park For A Real Wildlife Adventure[…]
Wild Food: Pigeon Breasts in Blackberry Sauce
As part of the events programme here at Stoke Park, I recently led a wild food forage; a subject that there is an increasing interest in. I think the main reason could be television, with programmes like Ray Mears’ Wild Food and Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage series. I have watched them a few times and, Read more about Wild Food: Pigeon Breasts in Blackberry Sauce[…]
The Tropical Past of Blaise Castle Estate
The kids are bored and to go anywhere far away for a day is far too expensive, so my family and I had a debate on where we could possibly go. “How about we all go exploring somewhere?” I suggested. “NO, Dad, you always go exploring!” they shouted. “Okay, then, how about we all go Read more about The Tropical Past of Blaise Castle Estate[…]
A Hot Summer’s Day at Snuff Mills
Last week, I teamed up with the local PCSO officers from a local school who often come over to Stoke Park to do activities during the summer holidays. In this heat I thought a small camp fire might be too much, so as the group all turned up, I could see the children were unsure Read more about A Hot Summer’s Day at Snuff Mills[…]
A Change In The Weather
WELL, wasn’t that a thunderstorm to talk about? Probably the most dramatic I have seen in this country for a long time. The rain was much needed. My lawn at home has now turned green again from what looked like brown dead desert grass. The thunder and lightning reminded me of a storm Read more about A Change In The Weather[…]
Crazy weather
Here is an article i wrote last december when the blue bells were growing and summer fruits were very tasty so not right topsy turvy weather in our country climate evidence
Bristol City Council’s Better Together Project
I OPENED my mail the other day and, to my complete surprise, there was an award certificate. It was an award from Bristol City Council’s Better Together Project. The award was for my many years’ commitment to work to improve the life of children and young people and their families in Bristol. I have Read more about Bristol City Council’s Better Together Project[…]
Stoke Park’s Famous Water Pipe
Steve’s weekly column
If you want to connect with hoodies eat worms
Steve’s weekly column To read the full article click on image to enlarge
Survival of the Fittest
THE rules are pretty simple in nature. It’s a case of kill, be killed or just try to survive as long as you can. But to me nothing is more upsetting to see something being killed by another animal whether it’s a bird or a bee. This came to mind when I went to visit Read more about Survival of the Fittest[…]
A “Ray Mears” night
AS part of the Natural History Consortium’s Bristol 99 project we held a gentlemen’s evening. So what could I do to make this exciting I thought to myself. “I know” a bit of a Ray Mears’ night. We all gathered in the fields and I did an introduction talk and then I gave everyone some Read more about A “Ray Mears” night[…]