Wildfires aren’t just dramatic images of scorched hillsides — they’re a fast‑moving emergency for the animals that call these places home. In the UK, we often imagine wildfire as something that happens in distant countries, yet recent blazes across moorland, heath, grassland, and even woodland edges show just how vulnerable our landscapes have become during hotter, drier spells.

Well, this month has been a special one. If you’re a long‑term reader of my posts, you’ll know that my journey into wildlife photography began with watching the Peregrine Falcons at Tewkesbury Abbey. I’ve spent a good amount of time down at the Abbey again this month, watching these magnificent birds. This year has been a mix of joy and sadness, but certainly never dull.

Swans are among the most graceful and majestic birds found in our parks, rivers, and canals. Often seen gliding effortlessly across the water, they’re a symbol of peace, beauty, and natural elegance. But behind the scenes, a troubling pattern is emerging across the UK: more and more swans are being injured — or worse — due to dog attacks.