by Katie Isham Just off an industrial estate in the western corner of Southampton, there’s an entrance to a beautiful magical kingdom. Not where you’d expect to find some magic, but believe me, it’s there. Tucked away past the plumbing merchants and self-storage, you’ll find a safari worthy of...
Suburban Safari
Suburban Safari: Bridges and Changes
by Katie Isham. It’s that time of year when every passing day brings a new hue to the landscape. The colours and the position of the leaves change with every blustery wind or cold snap. It’s that time of year to go and witness the passing of the days....
Suburban Safari: Chessel Bay
by Katie Isham. On the eastern bank of the River Itchen, nestled in a bend of the waterway that cuts a beating heart through the city, is a nature reserve. It truly is a reserve for nature at its simplest. Hidden away from the road and any through traffic,...
Suburban Safari: Pine Walk
by Katie Isham. September is a busy time. Everyone has so many things to do yet the days are dwindling to do them in. So join me this week for a power walk though some pines. But just because it’s a shorter walk, doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting...
Suburban Safari: Fish and Ships on the Sea Wall
by Katie Isham. Guys, I don’t mean to alarm anyone, but I think autumn is upon us. The days are dwindling, the blackberries are plumping and the schools are back in session. I know it’s been particularly hot this week, but don’t let that fool you: that mercury is...
Suburban Safari: Eling Loop
by Katie Isham. If you’ve followed these Suburban Safaris for any distance, you’ll know I have a fondness for the friendless. Of course I love a picture postcard view and a garden in splendid bloom. But I often find the real jewel in the ugly. Or what may be...
Suburban Safari: The Secret Garden
by Katie Isham. If I told you that this Suburban Safari visits Valley Gardens, would you know where we are? I’m not sure many residents of Southampton could point it out on a map. But I guess that’s the thing with secrets; there’s always an element of secrecy. Small...
Suburban Safari: Town Quay: From Park to Pier
by Katie Isham. Parks and boats are a staple of life in Southampton. This wander will show you the best the city centre has to offer. No longer must you choose between waves and flowers. Here you can enjoy both. With a bonus of some historical sights as well. ...
Suburban Safari: Peartree Pollinators
by Katie Isham. Slap-bang in the middle of Sholing, there sits a park. At first glance, it’s a basic public amenity. A big wonky trapezium of grass where people can walk their dogs, footballers have somewhere to play on Sunday mornings and youths have a location to loiter aimlessly...
Suburban Safari : beside the river and behind the curtain in Redbridge
by Katie Isham. Southampton is famous for its docks. They spear the heart of the city and have provided employment, transport and stories for centuries. The docks are a constant source of activity but it’s a place few of us residents get to see up close. This week I...