Tucked away in the heart of Suffolk, Dunwich whispers tales of a bygone era, where the wilds of nature reign supreme and the boundaries between land and sea blur. This enchanting coastal village is a haven of beauty and tranquility, where the majestic forest gives way to the untamed majesty of the ocean. As you wander through the winding streets and wooded glades of Dunwich, the sweet scent of salt air and wildflowers fills your senses, while the cries of seabirds echo across the shore.
This photographic journey will take you deep into the heart of the nation's wilderness areas, revealing a world of breathtaking beauty that lies beyond the reaches of popular tourist trails. Here you'll find majestic creatures and exquisite scenery that are often overlooked by those in a hurry to reach more famous destinations, but are all the more precious for it. From the heather-drenched moors of the north to the windswept coastlines of the west, we shall transport you to a realm where nature's wildness is still unbridled and its charm undiminished.
Deep within the heart of North Wales lies the majestic Snowdonia region, an untamed haven of breathtaking natural beauty that continues to captivate those who venture into its rugged terrain. From towering mountain peaks that pierce the sky like shards of granite to serene valleys and glacial lakes that whisper secrets of a bygone era, this land is a treasure trove of unspoiled wilderness waiting to be discovered. Snowdonia is offering landscapes so wild and untouched that they seem almost ethereal in their beauty. It's a place where the rhythm of nature still holds sway, where the air is crisp with the scent of heather and bracken, and where the only sounds are the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft sigh of wind through ancient forests. Come, let us take you on a journey into this enchanting realm, as we explore the hidden wonders of Snowdonia, a land that will leave you in awe of both its majesty and tranquility.
This year we were very lucky. At the end of July, we were sailing with our friends on Norfolk Broads and, in the evening, when we were almost ready to head home someone told us: "...hang on, and by the way, have you seen the seals"? And then we realised that we were a 10-minute drive (literally) from Horsey Gap. And Horsey Gap is an amazing place: it's home to one of the UK’s largest colonies of Grey Seals and their pups. It might be difficult to believe, but over 3,500 seal pups were born along its stunning coastline during the 2023/24 season, it’s like a never-ending sea party! So in the summer months, you can often catch glimpses of these charming creatures lounging on the beach or splashing about in the waves. And then the "pupping season" is from the end of summer up to February - this is when things get really cosy and intimate!
Ok, so you want to see the seals. The first thing you have to do is to get to this place:
Once you are there, you have to park your car, take a 10-15 min walk through sand dunes, and here you go. Btw, the rules at the place are pretty relaxed allowing unlimited stay time, walking distance, and freedom to spend your visit as you wish.
Another reason why this beach is teeming with seals is because mothers-to-be need to come ashore to give birth. And here’s the amazing part: many of them arrive on land a full 24 hours before their little ones make their appearance, giving you a front-row seat to witness the miracle of birth! Ah, those pups... At the beginning, these little bundles of joy, wrapped in soft white fur, are utterly dependent on their mothers for survival. Their waterproof coats may be a thing of the future, but for now, they need to stay dry and snuggled up close to mum for 16-21 precious days before they’re ready to make a proper splash in the ocean. Another fun fact is that these cute critters have voracious appetites and are putting on weight at an astonishing rate: up to 2kg per day. It’s no wonder they need to eat so much - after all, growing into a sleek and powerful seal takes energy!
Nature's grandeur can manifest in many forms, often hiding in plain sight for us to discover. From towering mountain ranges to serene lake shores, even urban landscapes have their own unique charm when viewed with a curious eye. This photo gallery showcases the beauty of various well-known places, inviting you to appreciate the natural splendour that surrounds us every day. These images capture tranquil scenes, and captivating details that remind us how easily we can find serenity and wonder in our everyday lives if we only take the time to look.