Natural wonders

Manchester wildflowers

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Here in the middle of Manchester you look for every scrap of nature – and it can flourish in the most unexpected places.

A stone’s throw away from my Castlefield home is a vast, very busy interchange where major traffic routes meet.

One central section has burst into life with yellow, white and pink wildflowers – a stunning show bringing nature alongside a stark man-made creation.

Less than a mile away is a rust-coloured branch of a self-storage company where alium flourishes, while cow parsley grows undisturbed on an area of the canal towpath. 

We need wilderness more than ever, especially in our urban centres. Why mow it down for the sake of neatness? Please share your thoughts on this below

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Five glorious gardens to visit and enjoy

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The Easter holidays are with us and it’s a time to get out and about. Spring is also the time to visit some beautiful public gardens for fresh air and gorgeous views. Here are my five top tips – share yours by leaving a comment below.

DUNHAM MASSEY
Cheshire, UK

This stately pile just outside Manchester is a popular spot for walkers and day trippers. Aside from the acres of parkland there are sumptuous woodland and formal gardens with carpets of seasonal flowers – in April you may see swathes of colourful tulips. Tap/click image to see more

Dunham is renowned for its seasonal flower displays

YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK
Near Wakefield, UK

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is less of a delicate garden, more a spectacular playground. The extensive countryside grounds have water, woodlands and are studded with large artworks and changing displays. This place will definitely fill a day out. Tap/click image to see more

Landscape artworks at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a garden on an impressive scale

WALKDEN GARDENS
Manchester, UK

Walkden Gardens is tucked away in the south Manchester suburbs. It’s small but packs in value above its weight. The maze-like space has its own folly, a pergola walkway and many pretty plants. Definitely a lovely little escape if you’re in the area. Tap/click image to see more

Pergola walk at Walkden Gardens, Manchester

The cultivated walkway is one of Walkden’s little gems

BODNANT GARDEN
Near Llandudno, Wales

Bodnant Garden has to be one of the gems of north Wales. It boasts carefully manicured and planted grounds, not to mention a lot of space to roam around and relax. The Pin Mill (below) is a total delight – not to mention your Instgram post of any visit. Tap/click image to see more

Pin Mill at Bodnant Garden in north Wales

Bodnant Garden: A place for reflection

TERRA NOSTRA
Sao Miguel, Azores Islands

This far-flung garden may take a little more effort to visit, but if you happen to visit these mid-Atlantic Portuguese islands, it’s a must-see. A stunning place packed with sub-tropical flora, palm trees and even medicinal bathing waters. Tap/click image to see more

Water lily bloom at Terra Nostra gardens, Azores

Terra Nostra is replete with floral delights

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Lancashire: A glorious getaway

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Lancashire is a county of northern England blessed with a beautiful coastline, forests, waterways and heritage towns.

My home city of Manchester was part of Lancashire until 1974, so there’s a natural pull to day trips which are close to home.

I’ve often explored the county’s glorious countryside, which offers an escape from the big city. Here’s just some of what I’ve captured on camera with plenty more still to see.

Where should I go next in Lancashire? Please leave your comments below

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New Brighton: Back to the Mersey

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The resort of New Brighton sits on the edge of the Wirral peninsula, next to the River Mersey estuary and across from the city of Liverpool. It’s a place worth revisiting. CONTINUES BELOW

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It’s nearly five years since my first visit to New Brighton on a cloudy day. My return was marked with a splendidly sunny winter’s day and clear blue skies.

The scenic attractions of this Victorian resort remain: Perch Rock lighthouse which is irresistible to photographers, the tall red cranes of Liverpool’s port across the Mersey and amazing views of the city.

After exploring the rich sands of the beach and enjoying those Liverpool vistas, I left the promenade and wandered to New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter, an area of shops and cafes painted in vibrant colours.

I then clambered up the hill to see the impressive cupola of Saints Peter, Paul and Philomena Catholic church for the first time – well worth the steep incline.

This was a return trip to enjoy the coast and discover a little more about New Brighton. If you ever get the chance, make a stop here.

New Brighton lighthouse and red cranes of Liverpool portLink to mikeosbornphoto's shop

Chasing fog

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We’re in the grip of winter in the UK, including thick fog which occasionally shrouds our cities and countryside.

I woke up to this one recent Sunday morning, quickly got dressed, grabbed my camera and went out into the cold.

It was swirling around the modern skyscrapers of my Manchester neighbourhood but seemed to be moving away with unexpected speed. But I could still see it creeping in the distance.

So I chased it over to our twin city of Salford, where it lay very deep by the Irwell river and an area called The Meadow. Wandering back into Manchester, I noticed the mist was having a second wave around the high rises.

Photographing the ghostly pall of fog isn’t always easy – have you tried? Please leave your comments below

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