Browns and reds...

The colours of the New Forest are starting to take on their autumn hues, and the wild pony images I'm after are coming together. Leaves on the silver birch are beginning to turn, and the bracken is taking on various shades of brown as the ferns die-off: sunrise was at 6:48 am today.
The image, shot at Linwood early this morning, is a taste of what the New Forest is capable of displaying at this time of year.

© 2007

Boscombe pier progress update...

The image, shot today, shows the stage of the replacement of the decking of Boscombe pier. Also visible is the framework of the new wind break which runs the length of the neck. Despite the scheduled October re-open date, there's still some way to go before the end of the pier is removed and the planned 'T' section is in place.

The latest information available re: the artificial surf reef is that "...it has been delayed", but construction has been given the go-ahead, and will start in the autumn.

© 2007

Down by the seaside...

So, it looks as if the weather experts have got it right. On the south coast of the UK (at least) it looks like an Indian Summer, just as they predicted, after the wettest summer on record this year. This has drawn people out and onto the expansive beaches, but despite the rarity of blue skies and sunshine, there are those who are determined to keep in the shade at all costs whilst sun-bathing.

© 2007

Paddle Steamer Waverly...

Waverly, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, made a visit to the UK's south coast today, and is seen here tied-up along side Bournemouth pier.

Launched in 1946 and designed for the more sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde, she is now operated around the coast of Britain. In 1999/2000 the steamer underwent a two stage re-fit financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and was completed in 2003.

© 2007

Boscombe Spa Village development update...

For the first time since construction began last October, something resembling a building begins to take shape on the site of Boscombe Spa village. Shot just after mid-day today, the image shows a girder framework rising at the western end: one of many more to come.

© 2007

Low tide at Boscombe pier...

I returned to photograph the progress being made on Boscombe pier, today. The removal of the end of the structure is nearing completion. In addition, the wind-break, that runs the length of the neck has been replaced, and new planking replaces the decaying timbers that make up the deck of the pier. The re-vamped 'T' section design is due to re-open in October this year.

At the time of writing, there is still no evidence of the planned surf reef being constructed.

© 2007