Seeing the small things

When we think of a landscape scene we generally think in terms of sweeping vistas, towering cliffs, huge expanses of sky - the big picture.

We forget these large views are made of small, tiny things - grains in rock, pebbles, tiny plants and fungi, insects and small animals - things we may not even see, but which are vital. If insects such as bees, beetles and butterflies were not present in the landscape, it would die, change irrevocably. No pollinating insects means plants do not reproduce. If there are no plants other larger animals, including humans, die.

Little things matter. Here are just a few of the little things we saw along the Path - the South West Coast Path.

Grains in granite boulders

Quartz veins

Shale and slate

So many different geologies

Lady beetle on seed head

Caterpillar eating buttercup

Butterflies on a butterfly bush, aka buddleia

Butterflies pollinate

They are very sensitive to changes in the environment

Bees pollinate, without them we die.

The UK only has three varieties of lizards. Australia has dozens.

Shrew, tiny and related to moles and hedgehogs

Harvest mouse who almost got walked on.

Beautiful and useful, dung beetles eat and break down animal pooh.

Building a web at human knee level on a walking path is might not be a good survival skill.

Jewel-like berries on a vine. Bird food.

Another bee busy saving the world

Devil's Coach Horse beetle eats other tiny creatures

Blackberries - yummy - feed hungry walkers and birds

A complete aquatic ecosystem in a disused water trough

Death is a vital part of life

Appreciate Nature - Without Nature - Nothing