IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
The Parks, MINEHEAD, TA24 8BQ

A recently completed (Aug 2014) complex of 25 one and two bedroom retirement apartments in "The Parks" in Minehead. Built by McCarthy & Stone the development is called "Beechfield Court".

This moth certainly draws attention to itself, which is why I noticed it even out of the corner of my eye. It is seen here feeding on Buddleia in the back garden of a house in Minehead. Its striped cream and brown forewings can be seen clearly here, while a trace of its bright orange hindwings can be glimpsed towards its rear. It was the bright orange flash of these underwings that first caught my attention. I was confused at first when I saw this moth as I didn't recognise it; it was only when my 12-year old daughter suggested it was a tiger moth that I remembered that as a child I had hatched tiger moths from pupae - and it was very similar ... but not quite the same. With a little research I discovered that rather than being the Garden Tiger (Cf Image]) that I knew, this stripier (as opposed to reticulated) species is the Jersey Tiger. Once restricted in range to the Channel islands, it is gradually extending its range northwards apparently, and I can confirm that it has certainly made it to North Somerset. Next stop South Wales presumably. [Edit] I next saw one of these moths almost precisely five years later Image] More information at British Moths site http://ukmoths.org.uk/species/euplagia-quadripunctaria

Formerly a cycle shop: Image

The area of Minehead on the western side along the old Porlock Road is known as The Parks. There is indeed a long thin park that runs parallel to the road on the southern side. From the eastern end the pathway through this park is accessed via this mossy little bridge. The bridge is crossing a quite fast-flowing brook (see Image]) which is flowing West-to-East (right to left in the photo) having been fed by streams rising to the west of Bratton.

Situated in Parkhouse Road, this TE replaced the former Manual TE during the mid-1960s. The BT warning notices and a postbox can be seen on the wall to the right of the gate. Above them, a blue board would indicate that part of the TE is to be let to non-BT users, since there is apparently spare space within the building. This TE mainly has (01643) 70xxxx numbers and its postcode is TA24 8AB.