Nature Notes

Nature Notes is a collection of observations and reflections on the natural world. This category explores wildlife sightings, plant behavior, seasonal changes, and unique ecological phenomena. It allows readers to connect with nature through detailed accounts, photographs, and stories from field experiences. Nature Notes encourages curiosity and appreciation for the environment while sharing insights that can inspire conservation awareness and personal exploration.

The Grazalema Natural Park – Flowering plants in April

January 10, 2023March 14, 2018 by clive

Colour is spreading into every corner as now, according to the calendars, spring is official. Our surroundings become a painter’s paradise as lush plants vie for attention, their soft edges contrasting with the sharp mountain landscape. Botanising amongst the orchids is sheer pleasure as more species are appearing in bloom and photographers beware – extra memory cards and batteries are advised! See more about the Sierra de Grazalema here: https://grazalemaguide.com/blog/the-sierra-de-grazalema-natural-park/

clive

Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.

Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.

September flowering plants in the Sierra de Grazalema

January 10, 2023September 1, 2016 by clive

During the month of September the night time temperatures are lower, allowing plant life a reprieve and the chance of at least a few drops of moisture in the form of dew, if not a rain shower or perhaps a storm. Heavy rain tends to run off the baked ground too quickly whereas steady showers can be absorbed into the parched soil. Either way the wildlife appreciates this sign of the approaching cooler weather and autumn bulbs “spring” into life. Read more about the Sierra de Grazalema here: https://grazalemaguide.com/blog/the-sierra-de-grazalema-natural-park/

clive

Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

Summer insects in the Sierra de Grazalema

February 22, 2023October 1, 2015 by clive

Summer time is when many insects reach the adult phase of their life. They may have spent months, even years as a larva, drab in colour and unable to move far, possibly living underwater or underground. Now, in this last stage of their lifecycle, they might be brightly coloured, able to fly or to emit sounds and so they become more obvious to us. Insects are a very important part of the food chain on which we depend.

clive

Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

The Caminito del Rey