Wigan Council 'Believe' Photo Competition

I've actually won a photo competition!

My 'Poolstock Planter' image was chosen as the winner of the 'Flowers and Plants' Section of the recent 

Wigan Council 'Believe' Campaign Photography Competition.

Taken on Poolstock in the Summer, I wanted to show how lovely, colourful and well maintained the flower planters are, even on busy main roads of the Borough. They certainly brighten up the motorists' journeys!!

There is a link to the winners' page here;

http://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Consultations/Believe-Photography-Competition/Believe-photo-competition-Your-Vote.aspx

Fairy Glen

 One of the most picturesque woodlands in the Borough, the small clough valley of Fairy Glen can be found near Appley Bridge, Wigan.
The secluded atmosphere of the Glen provides an ideal home for a variety of wildlife.

Designated as a Biological Heritage Site for its ancient woodland of oak, birch, ash and alder, the woodland floor may be covered with bluebells, wild garlic, ferns, and red campion.

The waters of Sprodley Brook have, over time, cut down through the underlying sandstone to create the steep Fairy Glen valley, which has spectacular waterfalls and cliff faces.

Panasonic Lumix G1, 14mm lens.

Scotman's Flash

We went for a walk in the warm October sunshine today to the Flashes area off Poolstock outside Wigan. These areas of former pit workings have subsided to create large lakes or 'flashes' as they are locally known. They have become a haven for wildlife, especially migratory birds, and are a very popular local recreation destination for walkers, cyclists, sailors and fishermen. The Leeds/Liverpool Canal runs straight through the middle of the area, bringing visitors from even further afield.

Dappled Sun path leading to the Flashes

One of the most iconic and distinctive of British fungi, Fly Agaric, with its red cap and white spots, is renowned for its toxicity and hallucinogenic properties.

Hazy Sun over Scotman's Flash. Wigan Sailing Club are based here.

A Speckled Wood butterfly blending in.

Swan Reflection

Cygnet on the Canal

Male Swan Preening on the Canal

A Cygnet being carefully watched by its parents