Places of ‘pastoral asylum’ - Take on Nature
The countryside is now thriving, with things seen and unseen
Wildlife is always close by - Take on Nature
Many joys of the natural world are to be found locally, and don’t require us to travel far
Sharing the wonder of a pup’s eye view of the world
Inspired by his new canine friend Oisín, Stephen Colton reflects on the beauty of our surroundings
Is there a greater force of nature than the dandelion? - Take on Nature
From its medical purposes to culinary value Stephen Colton ponders the resilience of the dandelion
Nature’s timing is finely tuned for spring - Take on Nature
The pink-white hue of ‘lady’s smock’ or cuckoo flower is beginning to ‘paint the meadows with delight’
Take on Nature: From Mullaghmore to the high Arctic
A recent wild wander in Co Sligo featured plenty of winged companions
Spring’s arrival confirmed by brighter days - Take on Nature
As we travel through spring, it’s important to enjoy what the season has to offer
The repair shops of the animal kingdom - Take on Nature
Many bird species are experts at recycling and renovating their nests year after year
Messengers of spring and new beginnings - Take on Nature
From the carpet of snowdrops to the call of the great tit, the first signs of spring are taking hold, says Stephen Colton
Better together than apart - Take on Nature
Having witnessed a squabble between two herring gulls on St Stephen’s Green, Stephen Colton contemplates the importance of connection, animal and human...
Welcome return of the ‘heavenly riffraff’ of starlings and their ‘shifting bird-cloud’ to the skies above the Lagan
With starlings and their aerial dance back over Belfast’s Albert Bridge, Stephen Colton reflects on the beauty and mystery of murmurations
Take on Nature: What goes up must come down
Stephen Colton contemplates the lyrics of Learning to Fly...
Take on Nature: By the waters of Aughakillymaud
Stephen Colton shares a winter’s tale of mummers and wren boys...
Take on Nature: Ancient threads run through festive celebrations
Although synonymous with Christmas, mistletoe’s significance stretches back well before Christianity, when the plant was revered by druids as a symbol of fertility, health and a protection against evil