Category Archives: Lancashire Coast

Twice a Day……..

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Fun and Humour, Lancashire Coast, Peace, PHOTOGRAPHY,, postaday, Trivia

Tides Out

Low Tide, Skippool Creek, Wyre Estuary, Lancashire

It one of those miracles of nature.  Twice everyday, the tide fills these creeks with water, then twice a day it empties them back into the sea. Depending on the phase of the moon the high and low water marks will reach their maximum and minimum limits….. these are known as Spring Tides (nothing to do with the seasons just the pull of gravity from the moon).

Low tide is not welcomed by sailors but very welcome for Waders, Ducks and Geese who feed on the abundant food available on the mud flats beyond the creek.  It is a world that is for ever changing at natures whim. At low tide it looks rough and ready. Then at high tide, with water lapping onto the edges of the surrounding marshes, its idyllic.

This constant changing of tides, that move to their own time clock, are different everyday which ensure that change is the only constant.

On a more flippant note, it always reminds me of an old Advertising Campaign by a major soap powder company.  They had a brand name “TIDE”……   there was a slogan used on posters, adverts and TV, it was…

”  Tides in….   Dirt’s Out “

Being a youngster at the time I also added  to myself ” Tides out and Dirt’s In “

Daft I know but just one of those slogans that sticks in the memory box.

Whatever you are thinking today……

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

14th September

(C) David Oakes 2021

Wordless Wednesday…a new month ( and a new Season ? )

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Favourite Place, Lancashire, Lancashire Coast, Morecambe bay, Peace, PHOTOGRAPHY,, postaday, Trivia, U.K.Travel, Wordless Wednesday

COCKERHAM-sundown

Location:-  Cockerham Sands, Morecambe Bay, Lancashire

The first day of a new month.  September, the month that the Meteorological Office define, for us in the northern hemisphere, as the start of autumn.  Not sure I agree with them, their desire to break a year down into 4 equal segments ignores natures own cycle.

That said, I do find that the light from now on changes, softer, surprisingly warmer, particularly in the evenings and if you get the opportunity to be by the west coast… then a sunset glow could be your reward.

One location never seems to disappoint, is Cockerham Sands.  At the mouth of the River Lune, marked by the squat Lune Light, which marks where the Lune enters the expanse of Morecambe Bay.  You also get a double bonus, for as the tide rushes in, and it does come in fast, in rush waders and wildfowl that have been feeding on the mud flats. 

Rather a lot of words for Wordless Wednesday, but I thought it worth it.  Well it is one of my Favourite Places

The year may be moving along at a pace but we still need to….

Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

1st September

(C) David Oakes 2021

A Rather Grand Light…

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Fleetwood, Historical, Lancashire Coast, Peace, postaday, Trivia, U.K.Travel

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Known locally as either the Beach Lighthouse or the more popular Lower Lighthouse.  It marks the mouth of the Wyre Estuary, on the Lancashire Coast at Fleetwood.  Clear views across Morecambe Bay and across to the Lancashire Fells, it really is a grand location..  Lower Lighthouse ?…. simply because there is another much taller Lighthouse further away from the coast….  shipping approaching the port needed to line the lights up to get safe passage.

It is also rather distinctive in style, I feel sure there is not another one like it.  Opened in 1840 it has become not just an aid to safe shipping, but also now a familiar landmark on Fleetwood’s  esplanade.  Its style and importance is recognised, as the Lighthouse has Listed Building status

Lighthouses are to keep Mariners approaching port safe……  Life is also starting to get back to some form of normal, which means we should all still be vigilant….  so

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

24th August

(C) David Oakes 2021

 

From Salt Marsh to Woodland…. not a bad start to August

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Derbyshire, English Woodland, Everyday Life, Lancashire Coast, Peace, postaday, Trivia, U.K.Travel

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We had a treat this week.  As we live bang in the middle of England, a visit to the coast is a ‘real’ treat.  We had cause to visit the Lancashire Coast on family business, but that also gave us the opportunity to enjoy one of our favourite walks.  We chose the Salt Marshes alongside the River Wyre estuary. The tide was way out so the estuary did look as if someone had pulled the plug.

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These sea washed marshes provide a thriving environment for Samphire and Sea Lavender and of course swaying clumps of varied reeds. 

Even though the tide was out there were still a number of Curlew and Oyster Catchers singing with their evocative call across the marsh…..  most of course were further out at the tides edge seeking their next meal.

Also it is very wise to check the tide tables.  Very soon the waters would creep in and cover the marsh once again, but for a few hours its is always a magical spot and for us better than a sandy beach…

 

Next day was quite a change of environment.  Back home it was the familiar woodlands.  They may be very familiar but everyday they are different.

We still have more summer to come, so I do hate to say this, but this mornings light had a subtle but none the less very noticeable autumnal tint to the light, true the angle is lower and just that little bit further south than at this time last week…  the warmth is still there and it does bring out the scent from pine and  bracken…

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They say “a change is as good as a rest”……  and Salt Marsh to Woodland Glades is a pretty big change.  The distinctive salty ozone air producing a cooling breeze over the marsh – to the woodland aroma trapping in the warm air under the woodland canopy.  

It was a welcome change for all of us, including Buster, he also loves to roam the marsh, but I think he also rather enjoyed relaxing back in his familiar home woodland…  enjoying the dry and warm sunshine whilst he can….

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If you are at home, or indeed exploring further afield…..

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

7th August

(C) David Oakes 2021

Its Saturday…. so lets have another Virtual Day Out

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Everyday Heritage, Everyday Life, Lancashire, Lancashire Coast, Peace, postaday, Sunderland Point, Trivia, U.K.Travel

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Sunderland Point, River Lune, Morecambe Bay, Lancashire

On the northern shoreline of the River Lune Estuary, where it exits into the wider Morecambe Bay, are these Salt Marches.  At high tide they flood right up to the houses you can see above.  This twice daily phenomena of tides make Sunderland Point rather unique.  It is part of the mainland, not an island, but only assessable between tides.

To be strictly accurate, Sunderland Point is actually the tip of this peninsula.  It is the village that holds the name of Sunderland.

I love this location both for its history and it natural beauty.  Sea Birds,  including lots of Waders feed on these marshes.  As each tide arrives it drives the birds towards you, a great experience to witness.

But let me explain the history.  Sunderland was developed into a coastal Port for the City of Lancaster which lies upstream on the Lune.  It was thought that this would avoid ships having to navigate the tidal river, so speeding up turn round..  Here they could be beached and loaded or unloaded directly into carts at low water.  The Harbour as such was built in the early 1700’s.  Fortune didn’t favour Sunderland and before the end of that century the port  was largely redundant.

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