Stunning photos of UV Norfolk night walks by Reveal Nature

David Atthowe, 34 and from Thorpe St Andrew, has shared images of plant and animal life showing 'biofluorescence' ahead of a series of nature night walks exploring the phenomenon. 

Reveal Nature director, David Atthowe (Image: David Atthowe)

Mr Atthowe, who runs the start-up company Reveal Nature, said: “I love the way biofluorescence can show some of the more common plants, insects and lifeforms that we take for granted in a whole new light, showing their rarely-seen magic.

"Taking these photos means spending a lot of time alone out in the darkness in wild places.

"It is a very peaceful experience full of weird and wonderful night sounds and glowing discoveries." 

The walks will take place on August 10, August 31 and September 15 at Deepdale Farm in north-west Norfolk, and will involve using ultraviolet (UV) torches to see a stunning side of creatures such as orchids, snails, caterpillars and even hedgehogs. 

Mr Atthowe said: “For example, stinging nettle leaves turn a deep vibrant red colour under UV light, the same stinging nettle leaf with a fungal infection glows bright blue, or flowers of most species of prunus trees light up like bright blue gemstones.

Biofluorescent spider, taken at Carlton Marshes (Image: David Atthowe)

"There have been so many 'wow' moments since I started doing biofluorescent night walks.

"One of the highlights was definitely discovering the hedgehogs glow bright blue under UV light, suddenly the fictional character of Sonic the Hedgehog seems a lot more real than you might think.

“For me, the real magic lies in being able to share this incredible phenomenon with as many people as possible, I hope that seeing such a colourful and visual spectacle of nature will help people to connect with the natural world and therefore care more about preserving it.”

Mr Atthowe said he also planned to run walks at Hoveton Great Broad, Mousehold Heath, Broadland Country Park and other locations.

Biofluorescent fungal infection of a stinging nettle leaf, taken at Deepdale Farm (Image: David Atthowe)

Biofluorescent flower Mealy primrose, taken at How Hill (Image: David Atthowe)

Biofluorescent Sand hopper, taken at West Runton (Image: David Atthowe)

Biofluorescent Dandelion, taken at Blickling Estate (Image: David Atthowe)

Biofluorescent cornflower, taken at Deepdale Farm (Image: David Atthowe)

Biofluorescent spider, taken at Strumpshaw Fen (Image: David Atthowe)

Biofluorescent sulphur tuft mushroom, taken at Mousehold Heath (Image: David Atthowe)

Biofluorescent Southern Marsh Orchid, taken at Upton Fen (Image: David Atthowe)