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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Heads up...

It's August bank holiday weekend, and the weather looks good, so I'm up and out by 5:30 am to beat the traffic. At this time of year, it's traditional for the majority of the population to jump into vehicles and head to the coast, thus clogging-up the highways of the country.
I decided to head to the New Forest again (said I wouldn't, but I lied) to have another attempt at photographing the ponies. This time, conditions were ideal. Low, raking light... and mist! I fired off a few token shots before the sun appeared over the horizon, but the ponies were still having it their own way, and not co-operating. Then, just as I was deciding to move to another location, they cross the road to where the mist and heather is most photogenic and start to present the image opportunities I'd been waiting for. At last, something other than feeding shots.


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The return of the Red Arrows...

Weather forecasts for the area were vague and conflicting, but the clouds stayed away long enough over Poole bay today for the RAF display team the Red Arrows to perform their annual exhibition in front of tens of thousands of people lining the cliff tops and beaches. There are some new additions to their repertoire this season, and the formation flying was as slick as ever (no surprise there). Quite simply, a world class act that's second to none.

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Time to move on...

Despite numerous pre-dawn starts in the New Forest, the shots of the ponies that I have in mind remain elusive. It's not that I'm being unsuccessful in getting any images, it's just the fact that the good light only lasts for an hour or so after sunrise, during which time I have to find my subjects and hope that they perform for the camera. Of course, they don't...at least not while the lighting is good. Therefore, I've decided to wait for autumn and winter to continue the pony project. At that time of year the useable light lasts all day, giving greater opportunity to photograph the images I want.
The image of the foal, shot against the dawn light, was made on Rockford common, shortly after 6:00 am today.

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More New Forest ponies...

The storms that were forecast to sweep the UK during the night didn't happen, and the wettest summer since records began is given a glimmer of hope for the coming week. Whilst this good weather window continues, I'm planning to take advantage of whatever early morning light is available with further visits to the New Forest, primarily to photograph the variety of ponies that seem to have appeared this year. The early evening shoot didn't go as I'd hoped today: the ponies were "thin on the ground" at my chosen location, but I'll try again at dawn tomorrow. Can't waste all this light.

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Hey...over here...

With further threats of torrential rain and flooding across the UK this weekend, the southern half of Britain promises to have good weather. For the second consecutive day, the dawn breaks with clear skies in the New Forest, so again I take advantage of the light to get shots of the wild ponies.
Having sought, and taken, advice on how to get the attention of these animals, I stand up to my knees in the heather as the sun rises, making all sorts of clicking, whistling and rustling sounds to make them look at me before I shoot. Nothing works. They only look in my direction when I move to get a better angle, or they just raise their heads anyway. Patience is obviously the answer ( I knew that, but short cuts are always welcome). I think they ignore me deliberately.

A break in the weather...

It's been a while since I've been able to get out with a camera. The weather in the UK has been unsettled for weeks, with many parts of the country suffering flooding. However, today's dawn was clear, so it was a trip back into the New Forest to get some pony images under early morning light. The problem with photographing these animals, is getting their attention. It's easy to shoot away as they graze for food, but this is not particularly desirable for producing good portraits. They only look up occasionally (usually when I'm maneouvreing into position, thus missing the shot). I need to find a suitable way of getting their scrutiny when I'm ready to shoot, other than clearing my throat (which doesn't work, anyway) or by any other means at my disposal.

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New Forest family...

The sky was clear at sunrise, and there was a low-lying mist covering the heather: conditions were ideal for some moody shots of the New Forest ponies feeding at dawn, but they're not to be seen anywhere. For nearly an hour I wait for them to make an appearance from the cover of the trees where they'd spent the night, and eventually the family in the image wander into view. I manage to get three or four shots before they head off in a different direction that I'd hoped for. Oh, well. Maybe another day.

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7/7/7...

This date only occurs once a century, and some consider it to to be lucky because of its number content.

The image of Canada geese was shot at Cadman's Pool, in the New Forest at 7:00 am today in an attempt to increase the chances of a good result.

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It was 50 years ago today...

To paraphrase The Beatles' Sgt.Pepper album, it was 50 years ago today that Lennon met McCartney at the Woolton Parish Church Garden Fête on Saturday 6th July, 1957...the rest we know.

Boscombe pier develpoment seems to have to slowed to a snail's pace, as there is little visible progress, although I'm sure something is going on. I was informed by the local surf shop that despite the objections lodged by local fishermen, the town council is behind the construction of the artificial surf reef. As one surfer said "Let's wait and see".
Ditto.

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The Baddest Blues Band Ever...

Today was the last day of the Bournemouth Music Festival, and it featured a performance from The Baddest Blues Band Ever. The line up: Rob Koral-guitar, Zoë Schwarz-vocals, Si Genaro-harmonica, Malcolm Creese-double bass, Steve Darrell Smith-Hammond organ and Dave Wallace-drums, played a fine set as the sun came out for the afternoon crowd in the town square.

All images © Richard Brewer 2007

From bad, to worse...

The British hope for a Wimbledon title this year evaporated as Andy Murray pulled out because of injury, Gordon Brown becomes Prime Minister, and just as I think things can't get any worse, the Spice Girls announce they're reforming...

I continue the week in the New Forest with a dawn shoot. The clouds stayed away long enough today to give some good, low light, which accentuates the colour of the ponies coats. The bracken fern is optional.

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A morning in the New Forest...

Today, I spent the morning in the New Forest, photographing the ponies. They were more in evidence than yesterday, and finding the more photogenic mother and foal combination was a piece of cake. The little guy in the image was very vocal as I approached, and appeared to enjoy the attention, just as long as I kept a reasonable distance.
Photographed near Cadman's Pool.

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A walk in the New Forest...

The sun has managed to put in an occasional appearance today, so I took the opportunity to visit the New Forest again, this time concentrating on the wild ponies that are a familiar feature where ever you go. Although these animals are prevalent, it was surprisingly difficult to find any that were reasonably accessible for photographic purposes, but perseverance finally produced results.

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Rainy day, dream away (part 2)...

The weather along the south coast of the UK is worse today than it was yesterday, although not as bad as the rest of the country apparently, which has had severe weather warnings, and is awash with flooding in many places.
Inspired by the conditions, I decided to take my camera back to the sea side, and capture the British determination to have a good time in the face of adversity. Photographed on Bournemouth pier today, this man was the only soul prepared to brave the elements in pursuit of a good time.

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Rainy day, dream away...

After a brief spell of sunshine here on the south coast, it's back to the (persistent) rain again here in Dorset. Since summer kicked-off a few days ago the weather has reverted to type, and the forecast promises more "unsettled weather" for the next few days.
Since today is the first anniversary of starting this blog, I was determined to photograph something, and decided to return to the seafront with a fast lens and photograph whatever passed by.

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Pier progress...

Shot during late afternoon today, the work on Boscombe pier renovation focuses on the metal frames that will support the wind-break along the length of the new structure. All the other materials being removed are transported by barge to nearby Poole harbour for disposal.

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Summer solstice...

So, it's the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, not that you'd know it here on the Dorset coast, although the wind has dropped to gale force today, and the rain is nice and warm. It's all probably down to global warming: I do my bit, so it must be the others.
The image was shot at around mid-day today, and shows Boscombe pier undergoing refurbishment, in the distance.

The surf reef, scheduled for construction this year, now has had objections lodged by local fishermen (rolls eyes), and could delay or prevent the reef being constructed. The artificial reef, crucial to the development of the area, must be built this year or the sand that's already in place may be washed away during the winter, thus increasing costs if it is eventually built at a later date. What these people don't appear to comprehend, is that the reef will be a benefit to marine life, as well as the local economy. Plus, why have they left it until this late stage to register a protest? Still, it's their sea, so I suppose it's alright to object.

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Boscombe pier demolition...

The demolition of Boscombe pier, Dorset, progresses at a slow, but steady pace. The outer pilings have now been removed and disposed of by barge, leaving only concrete stumps visible. The image shows the current stage of the work, with the Isle of Purbeck in the background.

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Woo-hoo...

After many months of weighing up the pro's and con's of two telephoto lenses (one a prime, the other a zoom) I finally took the plunge and plumped for the former, in the shape of a Nikkor 300mm f/2.8. It arrived shortly after 9:00am today, and after a quick browse of the user manual, I headed into the New Forest, Hampshire, to try it out.
My targets were the fallow deer that reside there, just to get something interesting to assess the lens with. Some people shoot brick walls to check sharpness or distortion, but what's the point? (unless that is why you bought the lens in the first place). The image was shot wide open and with a x1.4 teleconverter attached. The size and weight of the optic makes the whole camera more stable in the field. I can see this piece of glass getting a lot of use...sorry, this post wasn't meant to turn into a lens review.

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Same species, different family...

The clear weather is holding for southern UK, so it's up at 3:30am to get the best of the light, and down to the river. This swan family (there are eight cygnets in total) is a different one from what I have been photographing recently, and were swimming in open water on the Stour, just before 7:00am today.

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One of seven...

The 7 Mute swan cygnets, hatched and photographed two weeks ago, are doing well. The image, shot early today, is one of several that were on the nest as I arrived. Reed growth over the past few weeks has made it difficult to see all of the nest, and to get unobstructed views for photography.

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Rare, it seems...

After yesterday's persistent rain, the dawn broke cloudless today. So, up at 4:00am and down to the river to see what was happening. My first stop was the swans nest (photographed last week), but it was deserted. I was informed by a dog-walker that there are seven cygnets at the site, meaning that all the eggs hatched and the contents survived.
So, drawing a blank, I decide to concentrate my attention on damselflies. Several species were present, but the one photographed here is something of a rarity, it seems. I have identified it as a Scarce Blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura pumilio), that at one point was thought to be extinct. It's mostly the destruction of their habitat that reduces the numbers (isn't it always?), but this site would appear to be secure for the foreseeable future.

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Boscombe pier renovation...

The work on Boscombe pier continues, and the Mermaid theatre that once stood on the end has now gone. This is part of a six month renovation which will shorten the pier and make it into a T shape. The foundations are also being strengthened and the planking replaced. Work should be completed by October.

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Building progress...

The image shows how far the development of the Boscombe beach area has progressed to date. The shot was taken at 6:40am today, before any builders appeared on the site.

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Moments old...

I returned to the nest during the early evening, and my timing couldn't have been better, as I witnessed one of the remaining eggs hatching. Although the mother obscured the event for the most part by sitting on the clutch, the image shows the cygnet at less than 5 minutes old, and was photographed at 7:13pm today.

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New family...

The nesting swans (see April) had eventually laid seven eggs. Today, those eggs were hatching, and by the time the photograph was made at 6:30 this morning, there were five cygnets visible. I waited a further three hours for the mother to reveal the newly hatched birds to the world again, and after getting more shots decided to leave the swans in peace.

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Damselfly...

The weather forecast for today featured a clear start, and with sunrise at around 5:25am, I headed for the river. I've recently been trying to photograph the local moorhen, but on each occasion it presents itself, it is either too far away, or the light is too poor to get anything worthwhile. Today, the bird was nowhere to be seen, but I could hear its calls. Whilst walking through the long grass in search of my intended subject, I noticed an evasive movement at my feet. I identified it as a damselfly, which had come to rest nearby. Despite having a long telephoto lens on my camera I was still able to get several shots due to the close focusing ability of the lens, before it flew off. Try as I might, I am not able to identify the species with any certainty, but it looks like an Emerald Damselfly.

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Under Dorset skies...

Boscombe Spa Village, Dorset, is now beginning to show signs of real progress beneath stormy skies, while the pier demolition work continues at a slower pace.

There has, however, been a major blunder by the local council re: vermin control. For many years now, the end of the pier has been closed to the public because the structure was deemed unsafe. This gave more than ample time for the rat and pigeon populations to enjoy a boom time (independent of each other, of course), unimpeded by human presence. Instead of curbing the rat infestation before demolition began, it was decided that the wild rock doves (pigeons to you and me) should be eradicated first, solely by knocking down their roosts with a mechanical digger. The rats, not being too happy about their cosy home being violated, made the (predictable?) move along the neck of the pier (rats leaving a sinking ship), and thus ashore, to plague the inhabitants of the local beach establishments. The birds now have no home, and the rat population still exists, albeit at a slightly different location, and has become a hazard to the residents.

Local government...it gets my vote! (yeah, right)

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May Day holiday...

Despite the fact that it's been overcast and trying to rain for most of the day (typical for a UK public holiday) the weather eventually cleared during late afternoon and the sun appeared, shortly followed by the aroma of barbecued food wafting across the garden fence. So I took the opportunity to photograph the progress of the renovation of one of my local piers. The entrance now sports the legend Boscombe Pier, while demolition continues on the pier head.

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Barging out...

Photographed this morning, the image shows a barge approaching Boscombe pier carrying a skip, used to remove the debris from the demolition work. This process has to be carried out by sea as the neck of the pier is too weak to take the weight of heavy plant necessary for the job.

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Boscombe Manor...

It's not just the seafront at Boscombe that is seeing major re-development at the moment. Boscombe Manor is also undergoing major change.
The original building on the site was known as Boscombe Cottage, and was built in 1801. In 1849, Sir Percy Florence Shelly purchased the building, while Robert Louis Stevenson became a regular visitor after he had moved into the area.
The Manor building was also made use of as an HQ for the Home Guard until the end of the second world war.
The site was then used by Bournemouth College for many years, but in recent times has been allowed to fall into disrepair. In 2005, the building was sold to Charles Higgins Associates, who are in the process of re-developing the area to house two Doctor's surgeries as well as 14 apartments to the west of the main building.

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Hive of activity...

Work on the removal of the pier-head at Boscombe, Dorset started this week. The image, shot today shows a very different view of the pier, and the development of Boscombe Spa Village is now beginning to take shape in the foreground. The renovated pier entrance will soon be re-opened to the public, although the new T-section of the structure will not be completed until October.

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Swan on the Millpond...

The image, shot during early evening, shows a Mute swan on the Millpond at Throop. A Mill has been on this site for at least 921 years, as it is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and at the time was valued at 14/6d. The current form of the Mill dates from 1890, but has not been in use for many years. It is one of the remaining 100 or so Mills that once operated on the Dorset Stour.

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The New Forest...

The week is going well from an imaging point of view, and the weather has stayed fine and bright. Foliage on the trees in the New Forest, Hampshire, is well advanced now with only a few species lagging behind.
Today, I took the opportunity to return to the forest to shoot some images of the Fallow deer that inhabit the area.

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Cormorant on the rocks...

So, I finally get to take a trip overseas: well, Brownsea Island in Poole harbour, Dorset. Shameful, really, as it's the first time that I've ever been there despite the fact that I only live several miles away. Better late than never.
The island has a colony of Red squirrel, but on this occasion they remained elusive. There were, however, many other species to photograph including a variety of roosters, as well as the famous peacocks. What did catch my eye was a juvenile Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), drying its feathers in the sun on a rock on the southern shore. These birds only acquire adult plumage over a period of two years.

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Little Egret...

Rising before dawn, I decide to head for the river in the hope of early morning mist. The overnight forecast was favourable for this, and I was not disappointed. After a few general shots of the rising sun through mist shrouded trees, my attention was caught by a brief flash of white. At first, I thought it was just a Black-headed gull, but closer scrutiny revealed it was a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). The bird allowed me to approach to around 70 metres before flying up into a tree, which is when I got the shot. I only managed five frames before it dissapeared out of view. The image was made at 6:50am at Throop weir, on the Dorset Stour.

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Opinionated...

There was little evidence of any activity at Throop Millpond today, so I decided to try my luck at a different location: this time at Coy pond, situated on the outskirts of Bournemouth, Dorset. It's a location I haven't visited for some twenty years, and the local life seemed a bit sparse, but there were the seemingly ubiquitous Black-headed gulls, always at the ready to snatch a meal from other water fowl if the opportunity arose. The gull in the image was vocally defending its vantage point from all comers, attempting to drive off anything that approached too close, although not always successfully.

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