27th December 2022 - Sale WP, G. Manchester - A walk to stretch the legs, birds seen were:- Nuthatch; Willow Tit; Dunnock; Robin; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Common Snipe; Teal; Shoveler; Grey Wagtail; Little Grebe; Cormorant; Common Gull; Gadwall; Moorhen; Great Crested Grebe; Goosander; Goldfinch; Tufted Duck; Coot; Mallard; Canada Goose; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Blackbird; Magpie; Ring Necked Parakeet; Black Headed Gull; Great Tit; Blue Tit and Coal Tit.

Hazel was in flower and Lateral Crypaea (Cryphaea heteromalla) was a new species of moss for us.

25th December 2022 - Poynton Pool, Stockport, Cheshire - The festive feed of the birds at this chosen area. Whilst walking along we spied a few fungi and the following bird species:- Sparrowhawk; Great Tit; Magpie; Long Tailed Tit; Wood Pigeon; Coot; Blue Tit; Mallard; Blackbird; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; Carrion Crow; Moorhen; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Goosander; Shoveler; Chaffinch; Coal Tit; Robin; Nuthatch; Song Thrush; Redwing; Buzzard; Jay; Goldcrest and House Sparrow.

Winter Heliotrope and Hazel were both in flower.

24th December 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G.Manchester - A walk to the shops and then back down the river. We took time to look at a couple of common mosses on a bridge overlooking the turgid waters. Grimmia pulvinata and Tortula muralis may be common but they are still wonderful to see through a lens.

Walking along and 4 Goosanders sat on the water with a flapping Moorhen. A Grey Heron glided beneath the pure blue skies and a brace of Long Tailed Tits came up close and said 'hello'.

It was so warm troday a couple of Common Green Shieldbugs (Palomena prasina) came forth and did a spot of sun-bathing.

17th December 2022 - Spike Island, Widnes, Cheshire - A visit to the cafe for some scrummy food and a hot brew and then a nice walk in the bracing air. Bird species seen were:- Starling; Pied Wagtail; House Sparrow; Grey Wagtail; Song Thrush; Ringed Plover; Dunlin; Lapwing; Black Tailed Godwit; Herring Gull; Teal; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Great Tit; Chaffinch; Long Tailed Tit; Dunnock; Buzzard; Wood Pigeon; Goldcrest; Blackbird; Great Black Backed Gull; Common Gull; Cormorant; Carrion Crow; Blue Tit; Grey Heron; Shelduck; Redshank; Canada Goose; Coot; Moorhen; Black Headed Gull; Magpie; Feral Pigeon; Mallard and Mute Swan.

11th December 2022 - Pennington Flash, Leigh, G. Manchester - A morning spent shopping and then a quick loop of the main area and bird hides. It has been a while since we last wandered this footpath and the decline in birds and general changes shows that the increase in footfall and disturbance by dogs is yet again damaging the avian life. During the terse wander we spotted 23 bird species, these were:- Gadwall; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Carrion Crow; Tufted Duck; Grey Heron; Teal; Shoveler; Cormorant; Blue Tit; Kestrel; Great Tit; Stock Dove; Song Thrush; Blackbird; Magpie; Dunnock; Coot; Moorhen; Chaffinch; Mute Swan; Black Headed Gull and Robin.

Sweet Violet and Hogweed were producing blooms.

10th December 2022 - Chadkirk Chapel , Stockport , G. Manchester - A walk in the snow, the back is still playing up, I may have to invest some time in yoga. Birds seen were:- Magpie (*7); Blue Tit (*2); Great Tit (*5); Nuthatch (*3); Blackbird (*9); Robin (*13); Song Thrush (*3); Mallard (*15); Goosander (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Cormorant (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Jackdaw (*13); Ring Necked Parakeet (*7); Coal Tit (*1); Dunnock (*3); Wood Pigeon (*3) and Goldfinch (*1).

Ivy Leaved Toadflax was in flower and Common Feather Moss (Kindbergia praelonga) was looking splendid. Common Pouchwort (Calypogeia fissa) was later identified.

3rd December 2022 - Reddish Vale CP, Stockport, G. Manchester - We have lots on at the mo but still managed a quick walk. Bird species seen were:- Mallard; Pied Wagtail; Robin; Canada Goose; Coot; Tufted Duck; Goosander; Feral Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Ring Necked Parakeet Magpie; Moorhen; Blackbird; Collared Dove; Wren; Carrion Crow; Cormorant; Mute Swan and Great Tit.

Blooms noted were :- Wood Avens; Herb Robert; Red Clover; Red Campion; Bush Vetch; Yarrow and Hogweed.

An old specimen of the Gall (Urophora cardui) was good to see.

28th November 2022 - Alexander Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Wandering home from the shops, bird species seen were:- Starling; Redwing; Robin; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Siskin; Goldfinch; House Sparrow; Wren; Long Tailed Tit; Wood pIgeon; Blackbird; Grey Heron; Canada Goose; Magpie; Moorhen; Feral Pigeon; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Coot and Goosander.

Hogweed; Daisy and White Dead Nettle were in flower and I saw 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

27th November 2022 - Nantwich Lake, Nantwich, Cheshire - A short walk and the last of the weekend. Bird species seen were:- Magpie; Little Grebe; Mute Swan; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Wren; Goldcrest; Jackdaw; Tufted Duck; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Canada Goose; Coot; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull and Mallard.

Yarrow; Daisy; Green Alkanet; Dandelion agg; Red Campion; Wood Avens; White Dead Nettle; Cow Parsley and Hogweed were still in flower.

Neuroterus albipes and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum were the two galls seen.

27th November 2022 - Granville CP, Telford, Shropshire - Another new area examined, birds noted were:- Jay; Carrion Crow; Magpie and Robin with White Dead Nettle and Hogweed in flower, Traveller's Joy run to seed and the lichen Peltigera spuria looking splendid as was the Reindeer Moss (Cladonia rangiferina).

26th November 2022 - Severn Valley CP , Bridgnorth, Shropshire - A fungal pootle, but we did note a few birds:- Kestrel; Jackdaw; Rook; Mistle Thrush; Goldcrest; Kingfisher; Coal Tit; Robin; Dunnock; House Sparrow; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Siskin; Goldfinch; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Moorhen; Raven; Magpie; Blackbird and Redwing.

White Dead Nettle; Common Knapweed; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Comfrey agg; Nipplewort; Red Campion; Red Clover and Herb Robert were in flower.

25th November 2022 - Telford Town Park , Telford, Shropshire - A cuppa and a walk, birds noted were:- Blackbird; Mallard; Magpie; Goldfinch; Moorhen; Black Headed Gull; Pied Wagtail; Wood Pigeon; Dunnock; Coot; Robin; Mute Swan; Great Tit; Goldcrest and Feral Pigeon.

Daisy; Chickweed; Hogweed; Herb Robert and Dandelion agg were in flower.

25th November 2022 - Dothill NR, Telford, Shropshire - The second location of the day, birds noted were:- House Sparrow; Blackbird; Redwing; Magpie; Goldcrest; Wood Pigeon; Pheasant; Wren; Moorhen; Mallard; Cormorant; Goosander; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Coot; Goldfinch; Dunnock and Great Tit.

Shepherd's Purse; Groundsel; Herb Robert and Green Alkanet were still holding blooms.

Neuroterus albipes; Trioza remota and Andricus kollari were the 3 galls seen.

We alos saw a Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); a Red Admiral and a Corkscrew Willow.

25th November 2022 - Apley Woods NR, Telford, Shropshire - Chaffinch; Grey Wagtail; Goldcrest; Magpie; Long Tailed Tit; Blue Tit; Robin; Black Headed Gull; Carrion Crow; Goosander; Wood Pigeon; Nuthatch; Moorhen; Mallard; Great Tit; Blackbird and Jackdaw were the bird species noted.

White Dead Nettle and Red Campion were in flower.

Red Oak was nice to see too.

19th November 2022 - Rostherne, Cheshire - A lovely walk with some friends (and tea and cake too, Thank you Elaine). Birds seen included:- Chaffinch; Robin; Blackbird; Jackdaw; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Pied Wagtail; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Coal Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Tufted Duck; Grey Heron; Shoveler; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Goldeneye; Cormorant; Pheasant; Jay and Wigeon.

The galls:- Hartigiola annulipes; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum and Aceria campestricola were noted.

Meadow Buttercup; Red Dead Nettle; Feverfew; Hogweed; White Clover; Shepherd's Purse; Groundsel; Yarrow; Daisy and Grounsdel were in flower.

We also saw a Red Admiral; Gorse Shieldbug and a Common Darter.

The moss (Grimmia pulvinata) was in fine condition.

16th November 2022 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - A fungus pootle with my mate Ratty, along the way I noted a few bird species: Robin; Redwing; Jay; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Mallard; Tufted Duck; Grey Wagtail; Coot; Woodcock; Ring Necked Parakeet and Feral Pigeon.

Hogweed; Red Campion; Bramble agg and Herb Robert were in flower and Andricus aries and Andricus lignicola were 2 galls seen.

6th November 2022 - Rimrose Valley CP, Sefton, Merseyside - Whilst leading a fungi walk I noted a few birds:- Mallard; Moorhen; Blackbird; Canada Goose; Coot; Wood PIgeon and Black Headed Gull were the suspects seen.

Yarrow; Bramble agg; Ox-Eye Daisy; White Dead Nettle; Creeping Thistle; Gorse and Pineappleweed were in flower and we also saw an Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

31st October 2022 - Bramhall Park, Stockport, Cheshire - A cycle and a walk, I fell saw a century of fungi and also saw a few birds:- Magpie; Mandarin; Mallard; Moorhen; Carrion Crow; Grey Wagtail; Grey Heron; Redwing; Canada Goose; Goosander; Great Tit; Wood Pigeon; Pink Footed Goose; Raven; Wren and Robin.

3 Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) were out on the host leaves and Red Campion; Herb Robert; Himalayan Balsam; Daisy; Hogweed Common Ragwort and Fox and Cubs were still bearing flowers.

I also saw a few galls:- Mikiola fagi; Hartigiola annulipe; Taxomyia taxi and Agathomyia wankowiczii.

Wood Horse-Tail was added and the moss (Kindbergia praelonga).

22nd October 2022 - Arley Hall, Cheshire - 2 more fungal walks led, along the way I also noted a few House Sparrows; a Raven; several Redwing and a few Jackdaw plus Red Dead Nettle; Daisy; Pellitory of the Wall; Green Alkanet; Dandelion agg and Hogweed in flower.

I also saw a Common Frog and the Common Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha).

21st October 2022 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A different route on the way home from work and I saw:- Large Bindweed; Hogweed; Shepherd's Purse; Yarrow; Himalayan Balsam; Groundsel; Nipplewort; Self-Heal; Daisy and Common Field Speedwell all in flower.

3 * Magpie, 1 * Carrion Crow and 1 * Wood Pigeon were noted plus 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

12th October 2022 - Speke Hall, Liverpool, Merseyside - Another fungus walk led but along the way I noted a few blooms:- Red Campion; Ribwort Plantain; Creeping Thistle; Herb Robert; Common Ragwort; Dandelion agg; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; White Clover; Daisy; Pineappleweed; Groundsel; Common Field Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Meadow Buttercup and Creeping Buttercup.

Birds noted were:- Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Herring Gull; Carrion Crow; Cormorant; Mallard; Coot and Moorhen.

I also saw the Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum); several Budapest Slugs (Tandonia budapestensis); a Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); a Rhododendron Leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi) and 1 Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae).

The gall (Pemphigus spyrothecae) was a nice addition.

10th October 2022 - Ladybrook Valley Cycleway, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short trip out today to ease some stress. A few fungi were seen as well as a few birds:- Kingfisher; Magpie; Goldfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Wren; Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon and Blackbird.

Blooms noted were:- Large Bindweed; Hairy Bittercress; Daisy; Himalayan Balsam; Common Ragwort; Herb Robert; Bush Vetch; Groundsel and Hogweed.

Added to the sightings were:- 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale) and 3 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

8th October 2022 - Arley Hall, Cheshire - Whilst leading 2 fungi walks I noted a House Sparrow; House Martin; 2 * Mistle Thrush; a Dunnock; several Jackdaws and a Pied Wagtail.

Red Campion and Dasiy were in flower; the gall (Neuroterus quercusbaccarum) was noted as well as several Common Frogs and a Smooth Newt.

3rd October 2022 - Brookfields Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - I am tryimng to get as many fungal mooches in as time allows, today I found 60+ species and also saw a few blooms:- Common Nettle; Yarrow; Creeping Thistle; Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Sea Aster; Pineappleweed; Redshank; Daisy; Himalayan Balsam and Hogweed.

Psyllosis fraxini; Mikiola fagi; Hartigiola annulipes and Andricus lignicola were the few galls listed.

7 * Ring Necked Parakeet; 8 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Carrion Crow and 2 * Jay were also recorded.

1st October 2022 - Fletcher Moss, G. Manchester, Stockport - A birthday walk with the lasses - with a few fungi in the mix we also saw a Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); a Rhododendron Leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi); a Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and a few Honey Bees (Apis mellifera).

We also saw a few birds:- Jackdaw; Robin; Coot; Moorhen and Canada Goose made the list but the eyes were on the fungi and the restaurant where we had a smashing afternoon tea.

29th September 2022 - Fletcher Moss, G. Manchester, Stockport - A few galls were noted whilst looking for fungi, these were:- Pemphigus spyrothecae; Agathomyia wankowiczii; Andricus aries; Mikiola fagi; Neurotus quercusbaccarum; Cecidophyes nudus and Aceria erinea.

I also saw a Speckled Wood; a Jay; 3 Goldcrests and a Robin.

A Blue Shieldbug (Zicrona caerulea) was a lovely bonus.

26th September 2022 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - I went shrooming again, 71 species were found plus a few flowers in bloom, these being:- Groundsel; Nipplewort; Common Nettle; Wood Avens; Himalayan Balsam; Black Medick; Dandelion agg; Perforate St John's-Wort; Herb Robert; Water Mint; Daisy; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Common Ragwort; Red Campion; Bramble agg; Red Clover; Hogweed; Redshank; Water Figwort; Large Bindweed and Creeping Buttercup.

Galls seen were:- Obolodiplosis robiniae; Euura proxima; Dasineura ulmaria; Andricus lignicola; Eriophyes leiosoma; Taxomyia taxi; Hartigiola annulipes; Mikiola fagi and Cecidophyes nudus.

The few birds noted were:- Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Nuthatch; Robin and Jay.

I also saw a Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); a Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella); a few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni); a Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); a Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) and a Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum).

Also added were a Smooth Newt and 2 Common Frogs.

25th September 2022 - Fallowfield Loop, G. Manchester - Whilst leading a fungus walk I recorded a few other things. Flowers in bloom were:- Redshank; Hedge Mustard; Chicory; Himalayan Balsam; Tall Melilot; Large Bindweed; Creeping Thistle; Meadow Buttercup; Wood Avens; Dandelion agg; White Clover; Common Ragwort; Red Clover; Rosebay Willowherb; Shepherd's Purse and Sea Aster.

I also added a Garlic Snail; Large Yellow Slug; Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and the Hoverflies:- Eristalis tenax (*2) and Syrphus ribesii (*1).

Galls seen were:- Hartigiola annulipes; Acalitus stenaspis and Iteomyia capreae.

I also saw a Magpie; Feral Pigeon and Wood Pigeon.

24th September 2022 - Coombes Valley RSPB, Staffordshire - Whilst leading a fungus walk I recorded a few flowers in bloom, these were:- Yarrow; Devil's Bit Scabious; Meadow Buttercup; Groundsel; Pineappleweed; Common Knapweed; Soapwort; Wood Avens and Herb Robert.

I also saw a few birds:- Great Tit (*3); House Sparrow (*1); Robin (*1) and Jay (*6).

A Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); several Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album) were also noted.

Galls seen were:- Andricus kollari; Trioza remota; Andricus foecundatrix; Dasineura pteridis and Jaapiella veronicae.

18th September 2022 - Leverhulme Park, Bolton, Lancashire - A trip to see my parents, a pootle in a garden centre and a stroll to stretch the legs. Flowers in bloom were:- Meadow Buttercup; Sweet Ciceley; Hogweed; Creeping Thistle; Hedge Bindweed; Meadow Vetchling; Common Ragwort; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Pineappleweed; Bridewort; Ribwort Plantain; Red Campion; Wood Avens; Japanese Knotweed; Common Bistort and Himalayan Balsam.

Galls noted were:- Hartigiola annulipes; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Andricus quercuscalicis; Iteomyia capreae; Dasineura urticae; Andricus lignicola and Phyllocoptes goniothorax.

We also saw a Jay; a Carrion Crow; a Wood Pigeon, the Landhopper (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); a Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); several Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and a Speckled Wood.

17th September 2022 - Maine Road FC, Greater Manchester - Another footy game. I was in attandance early so had a mooch and saw a few bloom:- Ribwort Plantain; Groundsel; Wood Avens; Common Nettle; Rosebay Willowherb; Shepherd's Purse and Common Ragwort were in flower with the latter plant attracted:- 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 5 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Eristalis arbustorum); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta).

I also saw Shiny; Rough and Striped Woodlice, 2 Wood Pigeons and a few fungi - it is better than a kick up the arse.

17th September 2022 - Bewsey Woods, Warrington, Cheshire - A fungus walk was led, I jotted down a few other things along the way. Birds seen were Raven; Magpie and Common Buzzard. Flowers in bloom were:- Thale Cress; Himalayan Balsam; Herb Robert; Groundsel; Red Dead Nettle; Bramble agg; Nipplewort and Meadow Buttercup.

2 butterfly species noted were:- Speckled Wood (*2) and Comma (*1).

We also saw 2 hoverflies:- Episyrphus balteatus (*1) and Helophilus pendulus (*1).

2 Galls noted were:- Psyllopsis fraxini and Iteomyia capreae.

3 Common Darters, a Leopard Slug and a Garlic Snail were other additions on a day when fungi weren't playing ball.

11th September 2022 - Lightwood Reservoir, Derbyshire - A new area with our eyes now leaning towards the fungal world. We did see a few other things including the Hoverflies:-
Leucozona glaucia (*19); Episyrphus balteatus (*2); Epistrophe grossulariae (*8); Melanostoma scalare (*1); Eristalis pertinax (*1) and Eristalis tenax (*1).

The only other insects seen were:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 3 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 2 * Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) and 3 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis).

Flowers in bloom included:- Red Clover; Creeping Thistle; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Knapweed; Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Enchanter's Nightshade; Greater Plantain; Perforate St John's-Wort; Hogweed; Common Knot-Grass; Water Mint; Yarrow; Common Ragwort; Lesser Trefoil; Gorse; Meadow Buttercup; Rosebay Willowherb; Harebell; Red Bartsia; Tormentil; Black Medick; Ribwort Plantain; Foxglove; Monkeyflower; Wild Carrot; Common Heather; Common Nettle; Lesser Spearwort and Wild Basil.

We also saw a Carrion Crow; a Magpie, a Mallard; a couple of Buzzards and a Wren plus a Common Frog; Great Reedmace; Marsh Horse-Tail and the Lichen (Evernia prunastri).

We also saw the Mosses:- Metzgeria furcata; Plagiomnium undulatum and Polytrichum commune var. commune.

7th September 2022 - Paddington Meadows, Warrington, Cheshire - A fungi walk turned into a general walk after the recent dry spell has put all fungi on hold. We pottered along and did what we could, insects seen were:- 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 1 * Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Burnished Brass (Diachrysia chrysitis); 3 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Hornet Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis arbustorum); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 3 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Pied Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Springtail (Orchesella cincta) and 1 * Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas).

Galls noted were:- Chirosia grossicauda; Iteomyia major; Andricus gemmeus; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Adaina microdactyla; Eriophyes inangulis; Wachtliella persicariae; Trioza remota; Neuroterus anthracinus; Andricus curvator; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Andricus kollari; Andricus quercuscalicis; Andricus lignicola; Iteomyia capreae; Diplolepis nervosa; Protomyces macrosporus; Neuroterus albipes; Rhopalomyia tanaceticola and Andricus foecundatrix.

Flowers in bloom were:- Common Nettle; Herb Robert; Tufted Vetch; Redshank; Meadow Vetchling; Dewberry; Hemp Agrimony; Common Fleabane; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Sea Aster; Vervain; Red Bartsia; Common Knapweed; Greater Knapweed; Mugwort; Scented Mayweed; Wavy Bittercress; Hogweed; Common Knot-Grass; Common Field Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Yellow Loosestrife; Purple Loosestrife; Shepherd's Purse; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Himalayan Balsam; Yarrow; Pineappleweed; Black Medick; Hedge Mustard; Shaggy Soldier; White Clover; Red Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Greater Plantain; Tansy; Daisy; Creeping Thistle; Large Bindweed; Meadow Buttercup; Tall Melilot; White Melilot; Water Mint; Spear Mint; Field Scabious; Hedge Bedstraw; Great Willowherb; Perforate St John's-Wort; Marsh Woundwort; Musk Mallow; Buddleia; Gypsywort; White Dead Nettle; Common Ragwort; Perennial Sow Thistle and Bramble agg.

We also saw:- 1 * Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); 1 * Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); 1 * Grey Dagger larvae (Acronicta psi); and the birds:- Grey Heron; Magpie and Wood Pigeon.

With a few fungi thrown in the end total was 163 species. We avoided the rain too so we couldn't complain.

5th September 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A trip into Stockport for some grub, one the way back I saw a few blooms:- Red Valerian; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Groundsel; Monkey Flower; Himalayan Balsam; Buddleia; Ox-Eye Daisy; Canadian Fleabane; Nipplewort; Herb Robert; White Clover; Japanese Knotweed; Large Flowered Evening Primrose; Tufted Vetch; Great Willowherb; Yarrow; Ribwort Plantain and Perforate St John's-Wort.

The few birds noted were:- Dunnock; Dipper; Feral Pigeon; Wood Pigeon; Magpie and Robin.

Galls noted were:- Euura proxima; Andricus lignicola; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Andricus curvator; Iteomyia carpreae; Acalitus brevitarsus and Euura pendunculi.

The couple of insects species noted were:- plenty of Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) plus 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) and 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).

4th September 2022 - Birchwood Forest CP, Warrington, Cheshire - After lunch at Partridge Fisheries we had a final walk of the day and saw a few insects, these being:- 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Black Darter (Sympetrum danae); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) and 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).

Flowers in bloom were:- Herb Robert; Shepherd's Purse; Hedge Mustard; White Clover; Common Knapweed; Red Clover; Common Ragwort; Creeping Thistle; Ribwort Plantain; Great Willowherb; Meadow Vetchling; Hedge Bindweed; Lesser Stitchwort; Self-Heal; Meadow Buttercup; Daisy; Red Bartsia; Greater Plantain and Dandelion agg.

Wood Pigeon and Magpie were the only birds seen and 2 galls were added, these were:- Eriophyes leiosoma and Iteomyia capreae.

4th September 2022 - Silver Lane Pools, Warrington, Cheshire - A new area and despite the cloudy skies and not having a sweep net with me we did OK and had a good pottle. The 56 flowers in bloom were:- Lady's Bedstraw; Common Knapweed; Common Mouse-Ear; Silverweed; Hedge Bindweed; Meadow Vetchling; Bramble agg; Glabrous-Headed Hawkweed; Red Campion; Shepherd's Purse; Hoary Willowherb; Alsike Clover; Perforate St John's-Wort; Scented Mayweed; Ribwort Plantain; Scentless Mayweed; Hedge Bedstraw; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bush Vetch; Common Fleabane; Great Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Black Medick; Common Ragwort; Meadow Buttercup; Hogweed; Red Clover; White Clover; Tall Melilot; Greater Plantain; Red Bartsia; Sea Aster; Broom; Buddleia; Tufted Vetch; Water-Mint; Wild Angelica; Herb Robert; Purple Loosestrife; Hemp Agrimony; Spear Thistle; Dandelion agg; Yarrow; Wild Carrot; Large Flowered Evening Primrose; Common Toadflax; Lady's Mantle agg; Canadian Goldenrod; Bristly Ox-Tongue; White Melilot; Common Centaury; Himalayan Balsam; Common Nettle; Yellow-Wort; Common Knot-Grass and Square Stalked St John's-Wort.

The 7 other plants listed were:- Silver Birch; Hazel; Pendulous Sedge; Common Alder; Common Horsetail; Greater Reedmace and Common Reed.

The 20 birds listed were:- Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Mistle Thrush; Goldfinch; Carrion Crow; Coot; Kestrel; Tufted Duck; Pochard; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Little Grebe; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Blue Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Grey Heron; Sparrowhawk; Mute Swan; Moorhen and Feral Pigeon.

14 plant galls were listed:- Iteomyia capreae; Trioza remota; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Neurotus albipes; Andricus foecundatrix; Taphrina alni; Andricus quercuscalicis; Euura proxima; Euura bridgmanii; Euura pedunculi; Andricus kollari; Diplolepis nervosa; Pemphigus spyrothecae and Dasineura ulmariae.

The 17 insects seen were:- 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 3 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 10 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 10 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 2 * Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

We also saw:- 2 * House Mouse; Garden Snail; Shiny Woodlouse; 1 * Common Toad and 1 * Common Frog.

The lichen Xanthoria parietina was the last thing added as well as a few fungal specimens which made the end total 134 species.

3rd September 2022 - Knutsford Heath, Cheshire - A pre-football pootle in another area that is a veritable dustbowl. The few galls seen were:- Aceria exilis; Hartigiola annulipes; Trioza remota; Andricus gemmeus; Andricus quercuscalicis; Eriophyes tiliae; Psyllopsis fraxini; Dasineura fraxini and Wachtliella persicariae.

Flowers noted were:- Gorse; Ling; Common Ragwort; Greater Plantain; Pineappleweed; Rosebay Willowherb; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Knot-Grass and Ribwort Plantain.

The few insects noted were:- 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 10 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Tachnid Fly (Nowickia ferox); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus) and 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus).

We also saw a few fungi and some Shiny Woodlice plus 5 * Long Tailed Tit; 1 * Wood Pigeon and 1 * Wren.

2nd September 2022 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A pootle in the local orchard on the way home fvrom work. The dry weather has hammered the bugs, the few I did see were:- 1 * Dock Weevil (Apion frumentarium); 2 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 5 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Apolygus spinolae) and 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax).

Ribwort Plantain; Tufted Vetch; Creeping Thistle and Rosebay Willowherb were in flower with another Speckled Wood and a Small White noted further along and a single Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastca alni).

1st September 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - The moth trap was out, I caught:- Copper Underwing (*1); Setaceous Hebrew Character (*1); Square Spot Rustic (*1); Old Lady (*1); Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing (*1); Lesser Yellow Underwing (*4); Dusky Thorn (*1); Turnip (*1); Light Brown Apple Moth (*7) and Large Yellow Underwing (*28).

A Garden Carpet was in the bathroom and a Small White and Common Garden Bee (Bombus pascuorum) were in the garden.

29th August 2022 - Ainsdale Sands Lake, Lancashire - A morning walk with some grand folk with the target being fungi and the target being abandoned after a few initial steps. It was way too dry. We pottered on and along the way noted the following blooms:- Sea Rocket; Fairy Flax; Groundsel; Common Centaury; Kidney Vetch; Sea Holly; Rosebay Willowherb; Marsh Woundwort; Sea Arrowgrass; Sea Plantain; Bramble agg; Common Fleabane; Japanese Rose; Great Willowherb; Dandelion agg; Common Ragwort; Silverweed; Soapwort; Water Mint; Carline Thistle; Broad Leaved Everlasting Pea; Dewberry; Ribwort Plantain; Sea Aster; Yellow-Wort; Lesser Spearwort; Grass of Parnassus; Eyebright agg; Round Leaved Wintergreen; Canadian Fleabane; Blue Fleabane; Restharrow; Harebell; White Clover; Bittersweet; Sea Spurge; Parsley Water Dropwort and Wild Parsnip.

Orthopterans seen were:- 3 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 5 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 3 * Common Green Grasshoppers (Omocestus viridulus); 3 * Mottled Grashooper (Myrmeleotettix maculatus); 1 * Short Winged Conehead (Conocephalus dorsalis) and 1 * Common Groundhopper (Tetrix undulata).

Butterflies and moths listed were:- Large White (*1); Painted Lady (*3); Small White (*1); Common Blue (*3); Speckled Wood (*5) and Silver Y (*2).

Other insects added were:- 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Common Carder (Bombus pascuorum).

Galls seen were:- Livia junci; Eriophyes laevis; Acalitus brevitarsus; Phanacis hypochoeridis and Taphrina alni.

The few birds noted were:- Carrion Crow; Great Black Backed Gull; Redshank; Gadwall; Mute Swan; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Herring Gull; Tufted Duck; Grey Heron and Wood Pigeon.

We also saw 2 * Garden Snail; 1 * Sand Lizard; Great Reedmace and Wild Aspargus in fruit.

28th August 2022 - Murdishaw Wood, Runcorn, Cheshire - Red Campion; Wild Angelica; White Clover; Rosebay Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Common Ragwort; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Bramble agg; Common Nettle; Common Knapweed; Red Bartsia; Meadow Vetchling; Hemp Agrimony; Great Willowherb; Gypsywort; Hoary Willowherb; and Himalayan Balsam were the few flowers noted in bloom as the weather became overwhelmingly clammy.

Eriophyes inangulis; Dasineura pteridis; Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Iteomyia capraeae were the only galls picked out.

Insects added to the tally were:- 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa); 2 * Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 1 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 2 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria) and 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Magpie and Goldfinch were the only birds seen.

Great Reedmace was the last thing added to a walk that left us a trifle fagged out.

28th August 2022 - Stadt Moers CP, Merseyside - A birthday walk done in gentle style and followed by a fine lunch. Flowers in bloom were:- Sea Aster; Common Nettle; Great Willowherb; Large Bindweed; Mugwort; Himalayan Balsam; Rosebay Willowherb; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Wild Carrot; Hogweed; Creeping Buttercup; Dandelion agg; Ribwort Plantain; Red Bartsia; Meadow Crane's-Bill; White Dead Nettle; Tufted Vetch; Perforate St John's-Wort; Common Ragwort; Common Fleabane; Canadian Goldenrod; Pineappleweed; Water-Mint; Gypsywort; Greater Plantain; White Clover; Herb Robert; Hemp Agrimony; Glabrous-Headed Hawkweed; Red Campion; Wild Angelica; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Spear Thistle; Red Clover; Self-Heal; Creeping Thistle; Yarrow; Meadow Vetchling; Common Field Speeedwell; Daisy; Common Knapweed; Meadow Buttercup; Redshank; Common Mouse Ear; Purple Loosestrife; Hedge Mustard; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Sneezewort; Marsh Woundwort; Scorpionweed; Silverweed; Common Stork's-Bill; Shaggy Soldier; Black Medick; Musk Mallow; Field Bindweed; Chickweed and Wavy Bittercress.

Hoverflies picked out included:- Eristalis tenax (*2); Melanostoma scalare (*1); Volucella pellucens (*1); Eristalis pertinax (*1); Myathropa florea (*1); Syrphus ribesii (*2); Helophilus pendulus (*1) and Ferdinandea cuprea (*1).

Lepidopterans listed were:- 1 * Meadow Brown; 3 * Speckled Wood; 2 * Small White; 3 * Green Veined White and 2 * Small Copper plus 4 * Straw Dot.

The only other insects picked out were:- 1 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 10+ Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 1 * Tachnid Fly (Nowickia ferox) and Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum).

The few galls noted were:- Neurotus quercusbaccarum; Dasineura rosae; Aceria myriadeum; Dasineura fraxini; Psyllopsis fraxini; Acalitus brevitarsus; Taphrina tosquinetii and Phyllocoptes goniothorax.

Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Blackbird; Mallard; Carrion Crow; Coot and Song Thrush.

We also added White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) a Shiny Woodlouse and a few fungi.

27th August 2022 - Denton Town FC, Tameside - A morn digging and clearing with the good lady and two fine lasses. Whilst pottering and after a short mooch I noted 5 species of hoverfly:- Episyrphus balteatus (*1); Volucella inanis (*1); Eristalis pertinax (*2); Eristalis tenax (*2) and Eristalis nemorum (*1).

Lepidopetrans seen were:- Small White (*3); Speckled Wood (*3); Blood-Vein (*1); Large Yellow Underwing (*1); Straw Dot (*2); Light Brown Apple Moth (*1); Pyrausta aurata (*1) and Udea lutealis (*1).

1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 3 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus) and 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) were also seen along with 4 Garden Spiders (Araneus diadematus).

21st August 2022 - Cheddington, Staffordshire - Tea and cake and a walk in some farmers fields, we saw the following plants bearing flowers:- Groundsel; Shepherd's Purse; Spear Thistle; Greater Plantain; Daisy; Red Campion; Foxglove; Common Knot-Grass; Common Ragwort; Creeping Thistle; Ribwort Plantain; Common Mouse-Ear; Common Nettle; Pineappleweed; White Clover and Herb Robert.

Hoverflies seen were:- Helophilus hybridus (*1); Eristalis tenax (*3); Eristalis nemorum (*1) and Syritta pipiens (*1).

Other insects listed were:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Lesser Marsh Grasshopper (Chorthippus albomarginatus); 1 * Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera); 3 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) and 1 * Common Grass Veneer (Agriphila tristella).

Collared Dove; Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Swallow and House Sparrow were the few birds seen.

21st August 2022 - Consall Valley RSPB, Staffordshire - Whilst looking for mosses and micro fungi I noted the following flowers in bloom:- Herb Robert; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Great Willowherb; Himalayan Balsam; Red Campion; Nipplewort; Enchanter's Nightshade; Angelica; Gypsywort; Common Knapweed; Marsh Thistle; Spear Thistle; Skullcap; Red Bartsia; Red Clover and White Dead Nettle.

Lepidopterans seen were:- 2 * Painted Lady; 1 * Red Admiral; 1 * Small Tortoisehsell 1 * Mother of Pearl; 1 * Ypsolopha parenthesella and 1 * Straw Dot.

Other insects seen were:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 10* Water Cricket (Velia caprai); 3 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); and the hoverflies:- Leucozona glaucia (*3); Eristalis pertinax (*3)

The bryophytes we did see were:- Mnium hornum; Kindbergia praelonga; Plagiomnium undulatum; Orthotrichum affine; Rhizomnium punctatum; Pellia endiviifolia and Conocephalum conicum.

I also added several Plaited Door Snails and the birds:- Wren; Mallard and Raven.

One gall was noted:- Eriophyes inangulis.

19th August 2022 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk during the dinner break, 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria): 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 7 * Common Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) were the few insects seen.

Yellow Corydalis was in flower and the Gall (Obolodiplosis robiniae) was noted.

14th August 2022 - Parrs Wood Environmental Centre, Didsbury, G. Manchester - Me and the good lady popped down to the centre to have a catch up with out mate Kit and to have a quick wander. Wild flowers in bloom noted were:- Greater Plantain; Common Nettle; Wavy Bittercress; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Enchanter's Nightshade; Daisy; Herb Robert; Nipplewort; Self-Heal; White Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Pineappleweed; Common Knotgrass; Lesser Trefoil; Black Medick; Red Clover; Wood Avens; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Common Mouse-Ear; Green Alakanet; Great Willowherb; Wild Carrot; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Purple Loosestrife; Ox-Eye Daisy; Water Mint; Common Ragwort; Common Field Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell and Groundsel.

Insects were not playing in the heat and in the 60 minute wander we only saw:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); several Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) and my good lady picked out a Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis).

Birds were almost absent, all we saw were 3 Lesser Black Backed Gulls and a Great Tit.

We also saw Branched Bur Reed, the galls Andricus quercuscalicis and Hartigiola annulipes plus 21 * Large Yellow Slug; 1 * Leopard Slug and 1 * Balkan Three Band Slug and a few fungi.

10th August 2022 - Etherow CP, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short walk with the Young Carers, pootling and playing.  Yellow Water Lillies; Purple Loosestrife; Yellow Loosestrife; Tansy and Hogweed were still looking good

A Holly Blue and a Small Copper seemed hell-bent on finding some moisture and a lone Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) few with industry on some untidy Common Ragwort.

2 Grey Wagtails flitted around as we splashed in the river, the local Mallards; Black Headed Gulls and Canada Geese all looked a trifle scabby and a few leaves were collected for some artwork.

8th August 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Overnight moths caught and released were:- Willow Beauty (*1); Light Brown Apple Moth (*8); Shuttle Shaped Dart (*1); Canary Shoulder Thorn (*1); Bird Cherry Ermine (*3); Flame Shoulder (*1); Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing (*3); Common Rustic agg (*4); Large Yellow Underwing (*2); Blastobasis adustella (*2); Svensson's Copper Underwing (*1); Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*1); Bucculatrix thoracella (*1) and Square Spot Rustic (*1).

As I did some gardening during the morn I also saw:- Clay (*1); Agriphila straminella (*1) and the Common Plume Moth (*1) as well as 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella inanis); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea).

A Small White fluttered around and Great Willowherb was in fine flower.

7th August 2022 - Woodhouse Washlands NR, Sheffield, S. Yorkshire  - The second destination of the day in rising heat. The few birds seen were:- Magpie; Jack Snipe; Canada Goose; Goldfinch; House Sparrow; Mute Swan; Mallard; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon and Swallow.

Flowers in bloom were:- Field Bindweed; Red Clover; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Knot-Grass; White Clover; Common Ragwort; Pineappleweed; Great Willowherb; Common Nettle; Creeping Thistle; Yarrow; Himalayan Balsam; Purple Loosestrife; Ribwort Plantain; Red Campion; Mugwort; Spear Thistle; Common Mouse-Ear; Water Figwort; Hogweed; Water Plantain; Gypsywort; Redshank; Meadow Buttercup; Meadowsweet and Angelica.

Lepidopterans were represented by:- Speckled Wood (*2); Meadow Brown (*1); Green Veined White (*1); Common Blue (*1); Gatekeeper (*5); Comma (*3); Straw Dot (*1); Agriphila tristella (*1) and a lone Cinnabar Moth larva.

Other insects seen were:- 2 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Lesser Marsh Grasshopper (Chorthippus albomarginatus); 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa) and 1 * Red Tailed Bumbleebee (Bombus lapidarius).

The only galls seen were:- Psyllopsis fraxini; Eriophyes similis and Urophora cardui.

7th August 2022 - Shire Brook Valley NR, Sheffield, S. Yorkshire  - A fine exploration in dazzling weather, come the end of the morn we were frazzled.

Hoverflies seen were:- Melanostoma scalare (*1); Episyrphus balteatus (*2); Syrphus ribesii (*1); Myathropa florea (*7); Eristalis pertinax (*3); Cheilosia illustrata (*1); Volucella inanis (*4); Eristalis nemorum (*1): Sphaerophoria scripta (*1); Helophilus pendulus (*1); Syritta pipiens (*1) and Helophilus hybridus (*1).

Lepidoptera noted were:- 1 * Small White; 1 * Brimstone; 3 * Holly Blue; 7 * Gatekeeper; 4 * Green Veined White; 2 * Common Blue; 3 * Speckled Wood; 3 * Meadow Brown; 1 * Small Copper plus Udea lutealis (*1); 6 Spot Burnet (*1); Brimstone Moth (*1); Agriphila straminella (*1) and Bulrush Wainscot (*1).

Insects noted were:- 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 1 * Sand Wasp (Ectemnius cephalotes); 2 * Brassica Bug (Eurydema oleracea); 5 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 2 * Tephrid Fly (Chaetostomella cylindrica); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 12 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum);1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Timothy Grass Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Large Rose Sawfly (Arge pagana); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 2 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva): 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Lesser Marsh Grasshopper (Chorthippus albomarginatus); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 2 * Long Winged Conehead (Conocephalus fuscus); 3 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 3 * Pea Weevil (Sitona sp); 2 * Ant Damsel Bug (Himacerus mirmicoides); 1 * Tachnid Fly (Tachina fera); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Oncotylus viridiflavus); 2 * Tachnid Fly (Phasia hemiptera); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Tachnid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 2 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Reed Damsel Bug (Nabis lineatus); 1 * Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 1 * Broad Damsel Bug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 1 * Snail Killing Fly (Coremacera marginata); 2 * Acorn Weevil (Curculio glandium); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Corizus hyoscyami); 1 * Yellow Banded Conops (Conops quadrifasciatus); 1 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus) and 3 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa).

Galls seen were few:- Aceria macrochela; Dasineura fraxini; Eriophyes laevis; Urophora cardui; Trioza remota; Euura proxima; Dasineura pteridis; Chirosia grossicauda; Aceria eriobia; Psyllopsis fraxini; Iteomyia capreae and Andricus curvator.

Flowers in bloom were:- Musk Mallow; Honeysuckle; Marsh Thistle; Wood Avens; White Water Lily; Large Flowered Evening Primrose agg; Brooklime; Agrimony; Pineappleweed; Nipplewort; Common Fleabane; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Sneezewort; Wavy Bittercress; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Betony; Harebell; Common Heather; Glabrous-headed Hawkweed; Purple Loosestrife; Common Centaury; New Zealand Pygmyweed; Red Campion; Ribwort Plantain; Creeping Thistle; Common Nettle; Meadow Buttercup; Red Bartsia; Goosegrass; Mugwort; Daisy; Bramble agg; Rosebay Willowherb; Yarrow; Teasel; Field Scabious; Meadow Vetchling; Hogweed; Great Willowherb; Common Knapweed; Himalayan Balsam; Tufted Vetch; Creeping Buttercup; Large Bindweed; Red Clover; Wild Carrot; White Clover; Goat's Rue; Greater Plantain; Spear Thistle; Ox-Eye Daisy; Sea Aster; Upright Hedge Parsley; Tall Melilot; Self-Heal; Perforate St John's-Wort; Tansy; Lesser Trefoil; Hoary Willowherb; Common Ragwort; Creeping Cinquefoil; Hairy Tare; Fennel; Scented Mayweed; Weld; Lesser Swine-Cress; Black Medick; Common Poppy; Scarlet Pimpernel; Dandelion agg; Common Field Speedwell; Herb Robert; Hedge Bindweed; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Scentless Mayweed and Angelica.

The few birds added were:- Blackbird; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; Long Tailed Tit and Buzzard.

We also saw a Garden Snail and the spiders:- Araneus quadratus; Larinioides cornutus and Araneus diadematus plus the Landhopper (Arcitalitrus dorrieni).

Common Reed; Common Alder; Silver Birch and Bracken were a few extras contemplated.

With 3 fungi listed the final tally was 182 species, we couldn't complain.

1st August 2022 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early morning potter brought a few regular sightings and a few surprises.

Hoverflies seen were:- Myathropa florea (*5); Chrysogaster solstitialis (*2); Chrysotoxum bicinctum (*1); Volucella inanis (*9); Xylota segnis (*1); Eristalis pertinax (*22); Volucella pellucens (*3); Eristalis tenax (*8) and Episyrphus balteatus (*1).

Lepidoptera noted were:- Speckled Wood (*2); Red Admiral (*1); Meadow Brown (*5); Gatekeeper (*5); Small Skipper (*1); Green Veined White (*3); Holly Blue (*3) Ancylis badiana (*1); Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*1); Brown China Mark (*1); Straw Dot (*1) and oodles of Agriphila straminella.

Other insects listed were:- 1 * Marsh Fly (Ilione lineata); 1 * Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 2 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 8 * European Cinch Bug (Ischnodemus sabuleti); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Tachnid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lateralis); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 5 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 2 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Roesel's Bush Cricket (Metrioptera roeselii); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug nymph (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Sphenella marginata); 1 * Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus fuscus); 1 * Marsh Damselbug (Nabis limbatus); 1 * Grey Damselbug (Himacerus major); 1 * Broad Damselbug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Brown Lacewing (Micromus variegatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) and a plethora of Common Green Leafhoppers (Cicadella viridis).

Galls recorded were:- Taphrina tosquinetii; Aceria macrochela; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Hartigiola annulipes; Mikiola fagi; Dasineura ulmaria; Taxomyia taxi; Aceria nervisequa; Eriophyes similis; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Eriophyes inangulis; Psyllopsis fraxini; Eriophyes leiosoma; Sphenella marginata and Andricus quercuscalicis.

Flowers with blooms were:- Greater Plantain; Meadow Vetchling; Bird's Foot Trefoil; Gypsywort; Great Willowherb; Common Nettle; Common Ragwort; Water Mint; Water Forget-Me-Not; Marsh Thistle; Wood Avens; White Clover; Red Clover; Purple Loosestrife; Fringed Water Lily; Great Water Dock; Monkeyflower; Greater Spearwort; Meadow Buttercup; Himalayan Balsam; Creeping Thistle; Daisy; Mugwort; Black Medick; Meadowsweet; Teasel; Enchanter's Nightshade; Common Knapweed; Buddleia; Large Bindweed; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Pineappleweed; Bittersweet; Spear Thistle; Scented Mayweed and Hemlock Water Dropwort.

The few birds recorded were:- Goldfinch; Sparrowhawk; Mallard; Moorhen; Coot; Grey Heron; Ring Necked Parakeet; Song Thrush; Carrion Crow and Magpie.

Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); Four Spot Orb Weaver (Araneus quadratus) and Great Pond Snail were also added as well as the Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); Marestail (Hippuris vulgaris) and Great Reedmace.

31st July 2022 - Castle Hill, Kirklees, W. Yorkshire - A lovely walk to look at an ancient monument and soak up some lovely sunshine. Along the way we noted the following flowers still blooming:- Common Mallow; Tansy; Wood Sage; Mugwort; Common Ragwort; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Great Willowherb; Rosebay Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Ribwort Plantain; White Campion; Yarrow; Hogweed; Creeping Buttercup and White Clover.

The few insect listed were:- 5 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva): 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 3 * Tachnid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) and 1 Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus).

Butterflies seen were:- Holly Blue (*1); Red Admiral (*1) and Gatekeeper (*2).

A Linnet was seen too.

31st July 2022 - Upper Park Wood NR, W. Yorkshire - A new place and with rain forecast we did mighty well to avoid the showers and get a good dose of sun. Hoverflies seen were:- Volucella inanis (*2); Episyrphus balteatus (*1); Helophilus pendulus (*2); Eristalis pertinax (*2) and Eristalis tenax (*2).

Meadow Brown (*4); Gatekeeper (*4); Small Skipper (*3); Green Veined White (*1); Holly Blue (*1); Agriphila straminella (*1); Buff Footman (*1) and Snout (*1) were the lepidopterans on show.

The few other insects seen were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 8 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Dance Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 3 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 6 * Tachnid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata).

Flowers noted were:- Bramble agg; Creeping Thistle; Red Campion; Great Willowherb; Teasel; Purple Loosestrife; Harebell; Wood Avens; Common Ragwort; Spear Thistle and Greater Plantain.

We also added:- Wood Pigeon; Swallow; Goldfinch and Magpie.

The few galls seen were:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Aceria macrochela and Aceria cephalonea.

29th July 2022 - Heaton Mersey Upper NR, Stockport, G. Manchester - A good hour was spent at a different part of the local reserve with the following insects seen:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Oncotylus viridiflavus); 3 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 148 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 4 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 63 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 18 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Sphenella marginata) and 1 * Hairy Shieldbug nymph (Dolycoris baccarum).

Lepidoptera seen was:- 2 * Meadow Brown; 1 * Holly Blue; 1 * Peacock; 1 * Large White; 1 * Small Skipper; 5 * Gatekeeper; 6 * Udea lutealis; 2 * Acylis badiana; 1 * Agapeta zoegana; 1 * Agriphila straminella and 1 * Eucosma cana.

Hoverflies seen were:- 2 * Eristalis tenax; 4 * Eristalis pertinax; 3 * Syritta pipiens; 1 * Rhingia rostrata; 1 * Episyrphus balteatus; 1 * Eristalis arbustorum; 1 * Chrysogaster solstitialis; 3 * Cheilosia illustrata and 3 * Myathropa florea.

The Gall (Dasineura fraxini) was also seen.

28th July 2022 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - A 45 minute pootle once more whilst going home. Hoverflies seen were:- Eristalis pertinax (*1); Eristalis tenax (*2); Episyrphus balteatus (*2) and Chrysogaster solstitialis (*3).

The few lepidopertans noted were:- Meadow Brown (*3); Small Skipper (*1); Udea lutealis (*2); Agriphila straminella (*1) and Timothy Tortrix (*1).

Other insects seen were: 6 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 5 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 5 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis) and 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina).

Broad Leaved Helleborine was in flower.

27th July 2022 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A 45 minute pootle on my way home from work, hoverflies seen were:- Chrysogaster solstitialis (*1); Vollucella pellucens (*2); Volucella zonaria (*1); Volucella inanis (*7); Helophilus pendulus (*1); Eristalis pertinax (*4); Melanostoma scalare (*1); Episyrphus balteatus (*2) and Rhingia rostrata (*1).

Lepidopterans were represneted by:- Green Veined White (*1); Holly Blue (*1); Speckled Wood (*1); Small Skipper (*2); Comma (*1); Meadow Brown (*4); Udea lutealis (*7); Agriphila straminella (*1); Burnished Brass (*1) and Ancylis badiana (*1).

Other insects seen were:- 3 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 10 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 4 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 2 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Dance Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Waisted Beegrabber (Physocephala rufipes) and 1 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis).

Betony was in flower and nearby on the river a Cormorant fished away and a Kingfisher whizzed past.

26th July 2022 - Heaton Mersey/River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A pootle home down a route I take now and again. Hoverflies seen were:- Volucella inanis (*1); Volucella zonaria (*1); Eristalis tenax (*1); Eristalis pertinax (*1); Syritta pipiens (*2); Syrphus ribesii (*1) and Episyrphus balteatus (*2).

2 * Tachnid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 4 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Common Roller Moth (Ancylis badiana); 2 * Common Furrow Bee (Lasioglossum calceatum) and 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi) were the other insects seen.

25th July 2022 - Vernon/Woodbank Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quite watched morning in persistent rain. I pootled on nonetheless and noted the following blooms:- Rosebay Willowherb; Common Ragwort; Daisy; Greater Plantain; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Himalayan Balsam; Meadowsweet; Goosegrass; Common Nettle; Great Willowherb; Self-heal; White Clover; Lady's Mantle agg; Common Field Speedwell; Yarrow; Bramble agg; Creeping Thistle; Large Bindweed; Red Clover; Tufted Vetch; Pineappleweed; Purple Loosestrife; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Enchanter's Nightshade; Herb Robert; Hogweed; Spear Thistle; Groundsel and Bittersweet.

Galls seen were:- Hartigiola annulipes; Acalitus stenaspis; Aceria nervisequa; Psyllopsis fraxini; Aceria fraxinivora; Dasineura fraxini; Taphrina tosquinetii; Aceria cephalonea; Iteomyia capreae; Trioza remota; Eriophyes leiosoma; Andricus quercuscalicis; Neuroterus anthracinus; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Eriophyes tiliae; Aceria exilis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum and Cecidophyes rouhollahi.

Only a few birds werre seen, these were:- Dunnock; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Goldfinch; Mallard; Wren; Blackbird; Moorhen and Greenfinch.

Despite the rain I did see a few insects, these were:- 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 2 * Marsh Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bopmbus pascuorum); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma flavipalpis); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Lepidopyera seen were:- Meadow Brown (*5); Gatekeeper (*1); Small Skipper (*1); Small White (*1); Comma (*1) and the moths:- Udea lutealis (*1); Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*5); Blastobasis adustella (*1); Mother of Pearl (*1) and Agriphila straminella (*1).

I also saw 2 young Common Frogs - the weather seemed to be ideal for em'.

Forked Veilwort (Metzgeria furcata) was also examined via an hand lens whilst taking shelter from the downpour beneath a fine Beech tree and 2 examples of the Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii) were later confirmed by Ian Beddison online - I got one right, the other threw me - bah.

23rd July 2022 - Bewsey Woods, Warrington, Cheshire - Another walk for The Land Trust and Green Angels, this time with the skies leaking and the temperatures more bearable. It was a gentle stroll simply looking around and seeing what we could see, due to the damp conditions insect life was limited but we did see:- 2 * Red Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); Mirid Bug (Phytocoris varipes); 3 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Marsh Damsel Bug (Nabis limbatus); Red Legged Springtail Stalker (Notiophilus rufipes) and a 14 Spot Ladybird larva (Propylea 14-punctata).

Lepidoptera were represented by:- 1 * Gatekeeper; 1 * Meadow Brown; 1 * Holly Blue; 1 * Mother of Pearl; 1 * Agriphila straminella and numerous Horse Chestnut Leaf Miners.

Flowers noted were:- Redshank; Rosebay Willowherb; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Ribwort Plantain; Greater Plantain; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Betony; Red Clover; Red Campion; Great Willowherb; Common Knot-Grass; Common Skullcap; White Clover; Self-Heal; Common Nettle; White Water Lily; Yellow Water Lily; Himalayan Balsam; Common Knapweed; Meadowsweet; Tufted Vetch; Pineappleweed; Shepherd's Purse; Agrimony; Bittersweet; Spear Thistle; Brooklime; Gypsywort; Goosegrass; Yarrow and Hemp Agrimony.

Galls thrown into the mix were:- Eriophyes tiliae; Iteomyia capreae; Taxomyia taxi; Dasineura ulmaria; Acalitus stenaspis; Hartigiola annulipes; Euura proxima; Aceria macrorhyncha; Andricus quercuscalicis; Psyllopsis fraxini; Protomyces macrosporus and Acalitus brevitarsus.

Added extras were:- Rough Woodlouse; Striped Woodlouse; Shiny Woodlouse; Large Red Slug; Garden Snail; Varietgated Centipede; White Legged Snake Millipede and Common Frog.

The few birds listed were:- Buzzard; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Coot; Mute Swan; Grey Heron and Song Thrush.

Forked Veilwort (Metzgeria furcata) and Straw Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum stramineum) were added after the event.

With 18 fungi thrown in the mix the end total was 102 species.

20th July 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A touch of mothing, the few species caught were:- Epinotia nisella (*1); Least Yellow Underwing (*1); Apple Leaf Miner (*1); Large Yellow Underwing (*1); Nomophila noctuella (*1); Eudonia lacustrata (*1); Water Veneer (*2); Bird Cherry Ermine (*2); Anania coronata (*2); Poplar Hawk-Moth (*1); Straw Underwing (*1); 20 Plume Moth (*1); Marbled Beauty (*2); Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*82); Blastobasis adustella (*4); Carcina quercana (*1); Common Emerald (*1); Brimstone (*1); Svensson's Copper Underwing (*1); Grey/Dark Dagger agg (*1); Small Dusty Wave (*1); Riband Wave f. remutata (*4); Light Brown Apple Moth (*4); Brown House Moth (*2) and Acleris forsskaleana (*1).

Also in the trap were:- 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum).

19th July 2022 - Hill Hole Quarry NR, Leicestershire - An early morning walk before the heat erupted. We just kept a general list of things seen whilst strolling.

Traveller's Joy; White Clover; Shepherd's Purse; Greater Celandine; White Dead Nettle; Lady's Bedstraw; Teasel; White Bryony; Common Ragwort; Wood Sage; Harebell; Foxglive; Creeping Buttercup; Wood Avens; Pineappleweed; Greater Plantain; Large Bindweed; Red Campion; Hogweed; Yarrow; Creeping Thistle; Common Nettle; Spear Thistle; Green Alkanet and Rosebay Willowherb were all blooms hanging on and adding a splash of colour.

Holly Blue (*1); Speckled Wood (*4); Large White (*1); Gatekeeper (*10) ; Green Veined White (*4) and a Common Footman were the lepidopterans seen.

1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 4 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum) and 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) were the only insect seen.

A flock of Swifts; 4 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Swallow; 2 * Wood Pigeon and 1 * Blackbird were the only birds seen.

The gall Psyllopsis fraxini; Trioza remota; Eriophyes similis; Dasineura fraxini and Chirosia grossicauda were the only galls noted.

17th July 2022 - Altar Stones NR, Leicestershire - The final roaming of the day, a nice area, small and diverse. We saw Wood Sage; Pink Oxalis; Yarrow; Borage; Harebell; Spear Thistle; Creeping Thistle; Rosebay Willowherb; Honeysuckle and Foxglove in flower.

We also saw:- 2 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Lesser Marsh Grasshopper (Chorthippus albomarginatus); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket (Metrioptera roeselii); 2 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Tachnid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata) and numerous Parent Bug nymphs (Elasmucha grisea).

Lepidoptera noted were: - Ringlet (*1); Small Skipper (*6); Small Heath (*2); Gatekeeper (*2); Large White (*1) plus the Micro Moth (Agripjhila straminella).

14th July - River Mersey Pond, Stockport, G. Manchester - A good hour checking a very small area around a tucked away pond. Flowers in bloom were:- Water Plantain; Red Clover; Large Bindweed; Bramble agg; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Creeping Buttercup; Yellow Loosestrife; Celery Leaved Buttercup; Common Ragwort; Tufted Vetch; White Clover; Meadow Vetchling; Rosebay Willowherb; Great Willowherb; Red Bartsia; Common Nettle; Goosegrass; Hogweed; Purple Loosestrife and Creeping Thistle.

Butterflies seen were:- Ringlet (*2); Small Skipper (*2); Speckled Wood (*1); Meadow Brown (*1); Comma (*2); Large Skipper (*1); Gatekeeper (*1) and Green Veined White (*1). Moths added were singles of:- Common Marble; Agriphila straminella and Nettle Tap.

Hoverflies seen were:- Eristalis pertinax (*2); Cheilosia illustrata (*1); Episyrphus balteatus (*1); Eristalis nemorum (*1); Melanostoma scalare (*1) and Helophilus pendulus (*1).

Other insects recorded were:- 15 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Mirid Bug (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 5 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug nymphs (Palomena prasina); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius): 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Soldier Fly (Pachygaster atra) and 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans).

A Kingfisher was sat on a fence, 2 adult Moorhens with 3 young were seen as well as 1 Wood Pigeon and a Goldfinch.

Remote Sedge, Common Spike-Rush, Pendulous Sedge were the final species added.

13th July 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - More mothing whilst the weather is kind, the list was:- Marbled Minor agg (*1); Uncertain (*5); Fan-Foot (*2); Swallow-Tailed Moth (*5); Water Veneer (*5); Riband Wave (*1); Acrobasis advenella (*2); Eudonia lacustrata (*4); Buff Arches (*1); Single Dotted Wave (*1); Chrysoteuchia culmella (*7); Small Fan-Foot (*1); Marbled Beauty (*4); Bird Cherry Ermine (*22); Large Yellow Underwing (*2); Riband Wave f. remutata (*7); Brown House Moth (*4); Smoky Wainscot (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*3); Grey/Dark Dagger (*2); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*3); Clepsis consimilana (*1); Common Rustic agg (*2); Blastobasis adustella (*4); Common Emerald (*2); Snout (*1); Garden Carpet (*1); Common Wainscot (*1); Rustic (*1); Common Wave (*1); Clay (*3); Scalloped Oak (*5); Anania coronata (*1); Box Tree Moth (*2); Dark Arches (*6); Heart and Dart (*5); Spectacle (*1); Double Square Spot (*1); Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*1); Dot Moth (*2); Red Barred Tortrix (*1) and Lesser Yellow Underwing (*1).

2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta) were also in the trap.

12th July 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A bit more mothing, the species haul was:- Common White Wave (*1); Riband Wave f.remutata (*7); Brimstone (*3); Swallow-Tailed Moth (*3); Argyresthia goedartella (*2); Bird Cherry Ermine (*23); Light Brown Apple Moth (*4); Willow Beauty (*2); Poplar Grey (*1); Grey/Dark Dagger (*3); Marbled Minor agg (*2); Marbled Beauty (*3); Mother of Pearl (*1); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*3); Flame (*1); Chrysoteuchia culmella (*12); Pyrausta aurata (*1); Dark Arches (*3); Anania coronata (*1); Clouded Border (*1); Lesser Yellow Underwing (*1); Snout (*1); Eudonia lacustrata (*4); Uncertain (*2); Single Dotted Wave (*1); Common Carpet (*1); Shuttle-Shaped Dart (*1); Double Square Spot (*1); Bee Moth (*1); Double Striped Pug (*1); Blastobasis adustella (*3); Heart and Dart (*5); Agriphila straminella (*1); Common Emerald (*1); Apple Leaf Miner (*1); Water Veneer (*1); Clepsis consimilana (*1); Common Rustic agg (*1); Buff Arches (*2); Early Thorn (*1); Fan-Foot (*1); Large Yellow Underwing (*1); Cabbage Moth (*2); 20 Plume Moth (*2); Dot Moth (*2); Rustic (*1); Scalloped Oak (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*5); Pammene fasciana (*2); Narrow-Winged Pug (*1); Zellaria hepariella (*1); Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*5); Batia lunaris (*1); Crassa unitella (*4); Riband Wave (*1); Common Plume (*1); Beautiful Plume (*1); Clay (*3); Brown House Moth (*4); Crambus pascuella (*1) and Acrobasis advenella (*1).

Also in the trap were:- 2 Spot Ladybird (*1); Orange Ladybird (*1); Harlequin Ladybird (*7); 10 Spot Ladybird (*2); Common Earwig (*1) plus 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta) and another Beetle known as Dromius quadrimaculatus and the Mirid Bug (Orthops campestris).

11th July 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Too hot to go out so I stopped in and made do with the moths caught overnight. The list comprised of:- Fan-Foot (*1); Swallow-Tailed Moth (*4); Scalloped Oak (*4); Riband Wave f. remutata (*3); Bird Cherry Ermine (*10); Riband Wave (*1); Carcina quercana (*1); Double Square Spot (*2); Grey/Dark Dagger agg (*1); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*4); Heart and Dart (*4); Dot Moth (*2); Eudonia lacustrata (*4); Anania coronata (*1); Chrysoteuchia culmella (*4); Brown House Moth (*1); Cabbage Moth (*1); Argyresthia goedartella (*1); Rustic (*1); Double Striped Pug (*1); Red Barred Tortrix (*2); Dark Arches (*1); Common Lutestring (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*1); Water Veneer (*9); Brown China Mark (*1); Lesser Yellow Underwing (*1); Blastobasis adustella (*1); Crambus pascuella (*1) and Common Emerald (*1).

5 specimens of the Beetle (Lagria hirta) were flying around the trap and the Hoverfly (Myathropa florea) was striving to find some shade in the garden whilst a Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) buzzed around the Ox-Eye Daisies.. A Holly Blue also fluttered through, a Small White examined a few flowers of mixed hues and a Comma was seen to be checking the Nettle patch and lay some eggs.

On Nettle leaves I spied Heterogaster urticae and Liocoris tripustulatus.

10th July 2022 - Sulber Nick, Ingleborough, W. Yorkshire - A walk with out botanical friend Peter Hornby. The sun shone and we pootled along and duly saw:- Eyebright agg; White Clover; Daisy; Common Ragwort; Ribwort Plantain; Lady's Mantle agg; Lady's Bedstraw; Red Clover; Mouse Ear Hawkweed; Salad Burnet; Fairy Flax; Small Scabious; Bird's Foot Trefoil; Tormentil; Limestone Bedstraw; Heath Bedstraw; Marsh Bedstraw; Northern Bedstraw; Pignut; Meadow Buttercup; Carline Thistle; Herb Robert; Rock Rose; Common Milkwort; Lesser Meadow Rue; Germander Speedwell; Common Nettle; Bulbous Buttercup; Heath Speedwell; Frog Orchid; Common Spotted Orchid; Marsh Thistle; Cuckooflower; Bird's-Eye Primrose; Ling; Cross Leaved Heath; Bog Asphodel; Harebell; Common Cotton Grass; Great Burnet; Nipplewort; Twayblade; Brooklime; Knotted Pearlwort; Spring Sandwort; Round Leaved Sundew; Common Butterwort; Bitter Vetchling; Lesser Spearwort; English Sandwort; Meadowsweet; Bloody Crane's-Bill; Autumn Gentian and Tufted Vetch.

Butterflies noted were:- Meadow Brown (*12); Common Blue (*14); Small Heath (*29); Large White (*2); Dark Green Fritillary (*8) and a bit off the beat a lone Red Admiral. As we had lunch it was nice to be visited by a Hummingbird Hawk-Moth.

Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Wheatear (*6); Skylark (*1) and Meadow Pipit (*1) were the only birds seen.

Wed also saw a Brown Hare; Common Lizard; Common Green Grasshopper and 3 Orchid Beetles (Dascillus cervinus).

9th July 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Moth again, the catch wasn't bad and was made up of:- Lozotaenia forsterana (*1); Riband Wave f. remutata (*4); Phoenix (*1); Chrysoteuchia culmella (*7); Brimstone (*1); Scalloped Oak (*4); Lesser Yellow Underwing (*1); Anania coronata (*1); Dark Arches (*6); Bird Cherry Ermine (*3); Peppered Moth (*1); Dark Spectacle (*1); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*2); Tachystola acroxantha (*1); Bee Moth (*1); Swallow-Tailed Moth (*1); Red Barred Tortrix (*1); Grey/Dark Dagger agg (*1); Heart and Dart (*4); Small Ranunculus (*1); Eudonia lacustrata (*3); Marbled Minor agg (*1); Beautiful Plume (*1); Early Thorn (*1); Large Yellow Underwing (*1); Uncertain (*2); Riband Wave (*1); Brown House Moth (*1); Dot Moth (*1); Common Rustic agg (*1); Common Plume Moth (*1); Single Dotted Wave (*1) and Common Wave (*1).

7th July 2022 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - 30 minutes pottering on the way home, butterflies seen were:- Small Skipper (*10); Large Skipper (*1); Comma (*1); Meadow Brown (*6) and Ringlet (*1). Moths noted were:- Nettle Tap Moth (*2); Chrysoteuchia culmella (*2) and Shaded Broad Bar (*2).

Insects noted were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 6 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 16 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 11 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) and 1 * Scentless Plant Bug (Corizus hyoscyami).

Yellow Loosestrife; Lady's Bedstraw and Marjoram were in flower with Quaking Grass hanging around nearby.

5th July 2022 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - Another 30 minute pootle whilst walking home. Hoverflies seen were:- Volucella pellucens (*1); Cheilosia illustrata (*1) and Platycheirus rosarum (*1) with lepidoptera represented by:- Udea lutealis (*1); Shaded Broad (*1); Nettle Tap Moth (*1); Small Skipper (*1); Large Skipper (*2); Speckled Wood (*1); Ringlet (*5) and Meadow Brown (*1).

Other insects seen were:- 1 * Tortoise Bug (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 12 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 2 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Tephrid Fly (Urophora jaceana agg).

4th July 2022 - Haughton Dale, Tameside - A short walk with my mate Ant. We only checked a small area with our peepeers and didn't do too badly in just over a hour.

Hoverflies seen were:- Helophilus pendulus (*1); Episyrphus balteatus (*1); Volucella pellucens (*3); Volucella bombylans (*1) and Melanostoma scalare (*1).

Butterflies noted were:- Large Skipper (*2); Ringlet (*7); Meadow Brown (*5); Speckled Wood (*1); Red Admiral (*1) and Comma (*1). The few moths noted were:- Nettle Tap (*1); and Common Marble (*1).

Other insects seen were:- 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 3 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 3 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Notch Horned Clegg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * Lauxaniid Fly (Minettia longipennis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus) and a plentiful supply of Black Snipe-Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus).

Galls picked out were:- Iteomyia capreae; Eriophyes similis; Myzus cerasi; Aceria macrochela; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Macrodiplosis pustularis; Andricus aries; Psyllopsis fraxini and Blennocampa phyllocolpa.

Reed Canary Grass was looking smart.

4th July 2022 - Denton Town FC, Tameside - A morn digging, planting and nattering. I saw singles of Large Skipper; Ringlet and Common Green Shieldbug.

The only gall seen was Cecidophyes nudus.

2nd July 2022 - Bewsey Woods, Warrington, Cheshire - Another Bug and Blooms walk for the Green Angels Trust. A lovley bunch of folk turned up, all young and eager and fine company. Due to the overnight raon things were damp so I couldn't sweepnet which affected the end tally but I reckon we did OK and people seemed to enjoy themselves.

Hoverflies noted were:- Volucella zonaria; Eristalis pertinax; Helophilus pendulus; Epistrophe grossulariae; Episyrphus balteatus; Volucella pellucens and Cheilosia illustrata.

Lepidopterans were represented by: - Buff Footman; Straw Dot; Chrysoteuchia culmella; Celypha lacunana; Comma; Meadow Brown; Speckled Wood; Green Veined White; Dingy Shell and Narrow Bordered 5 Spot Burnet Moth.

Insects noted were:- 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 5 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna ferrugata); 5 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes): 2 * Red Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas); 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator); 1 * Four-banded Longhorn Beetle (Leptura quadrifasciata); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristata); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris flavilinea); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius).

A few birds added were:- Jay; Buzzard; Coot; Moorhen; Mute Swan; Mallard; Grey Heron; Blackbird and Magpie.

Flowers in bloom were:- White Water Lily; Yellow Water Lily; Dandelion agg; Hogweed; Creeping Buttercup; Herb Robert; Himalayan Balsam; Wood Avens; Common Nettle; Greater Plantain; Nipplewort; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Hedge Woundwort; Groundsel; White Clover; Red Clover; Bittersweet; Meadowsweet; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Yarrow; Bramble agg; Hemp Agrimony; Creeping Thistle; Spear Thistle; Rosebay Willowherb; Ribwort Plantain; Field Bindweed; Goosegrass; Red Campion; Pineappleweed; Skullcap; Gypsywort; Greater Willowherb; Betony; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Perforate St John's Wort; Broad Leaved Dock; Yellow-Rattle; Garlic Mustard; Agrimony; Tufted Vetch; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Germander Speedwell; Redshank; Self-Heal; Daisy; Hedge Mustard and Meadow Buttercup.

I threw in a few galls, these were:- Taxomyia taxi; Eriophyes inangulis; Trioza remota; Acalitus brevitarsus; Psyllopsis fraxini; Euura proxima; Eriophyes tiliae; Dasineura ulmaria; Iteomyia capreae; Acalitus stenaspis; Dasineura urticae and Phyllocoptes goniothorax.

We also saw:- Toad Rush; Crested Dog's Tail; Cock's-Foot Grass; Pendulous Sedge; Large Red Slug agg; Large Yellow Slug agg; Striped Woodlouse; Shiny Woodlouse; a few baby Frogs; the lichen (Xanthoria parietina) and 2 Nursery Web Spiders (Pisaura mirabilis).

With a few fungi thrown in, 142 species was the end total after 3 hours pootling - tis better than a kick up the arse and hopefully will encourage a few folk to go forth and do their bit.

30th June 2022 - Heaton Mersey Pond, Stockport, G. Manchester - On the way home agaon and today's 30 minute pootle was around a small pond. With Meadowsweet and Purple Loosestrife looking splendid and Garden Privet smelling divine I expected to see many bugs, not so. What I did see were:- 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 3 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 30+ * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum) and 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma quadrifaria).

White Water Lily and Sweet Chestnut were in flower and nearby I saw the Common Dainty Hoverfly (Baccha elongata).

29th June 2022 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - Another 30 pootle and species seen today were:- 3 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 4 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 4 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila frabriciana); 1 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

Tall Melilot was looking splendid and further along Figwort was in good flower, the Gall (Iteomyia major) was seen and 2 Comma Butterflies tumbled in a ray of sunshine.

28th June 2022 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick 30 minute pootle on the way home from work and I noted:- 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 4 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris flavilinea); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 3 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Tortoise Bug (Cassida rubiginosa); 3 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus) and 1 * Narrow Bordered 5 Spot Burnet Moth (Zygaena lonicerae).

Nettle-Leaved Bell Flower and Japanese Rose were both in flower.

26th June 2022 - Fox Hagg NR, Sheffield, S. Yorkshire - A second location and again we sraped along and decided enough was enough before delving too deeply.

Insects listed were:- 2 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha nigriventris); 2 * Bracken Bug (Monalocoris filicis); 1 * Nettle Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Cicada Bug (Ulopa reticulata); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 3 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 3 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 3 * Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Cyllecoris histrionius); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Phylus melanocephalus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricularia); 4 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 3 * Forest Shield Bug (Pentatoma rufipes) and 1 * Mirid Bug (Pithanus maerkelii). 4 * Meadow Brown; 1 * Ringlet; 7 * Speckled Wood and 2 * Large Skipper were also added.

Marsh Thistle; Dandelion agg; Hedge Woundwort; Bridewort; Honeysuckle; Bush Vetch; Foxglove; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Meadow Vetchling; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Herb Robert; Meadow Buttercup; White Clover; Broad Leaved Dock and Hogweed were the only flowers seen, we were rather tired.

26th June 2022 - Forge Dam Park, Sheffield, S. Yorkshire - A wander in the heat, we both had a cold and needed a break but a couple of hours were enjoyed nonetheless. We weren't fully focused today but we did see the following blooms:- Daisy; White Clover; Foxglove; Wood Avens; Enchanter's Nightshade; Creeping Buttercup; Broad Leaved Dock; Pineappleweed; Herb Robert; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Goosegrass; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Rhododendron; Ribwort Plantain; Self-Heal; Feverfew; Nipplewort; Bust Vetch; Dandelion agg; Elder; Curl Leaved Dock; Shepherd's Purse; Hedge Woundwort; Meadow Buttercup; Monkeyflower; Red Clover; Tufted Vetch; Common Sorrel; Tormentil; Ox-Eye Daisy; Creeping Thistle; Rosebay Willowherb; Red Campion; Marsh Thistle and Creeping Cinquefoil.

It was way too hot for Hoverflies, we did see though:- Epistrophe grossulariae (*3); Melanostoma scalare (*1); Volucella pellucens (*3); Episyrphus balteatus (*1); Myathropa florea (*1) and Syrphus ribesii (*1).

Lepidopterans noted were:- Chrysoteuchia culmella (*1); Chimney Sweeper (*6); Meadow Brown (*4); Small Tortoiseshell (*5); Speckled Wood (*3); Red Admiral (*1) and Common Marble Moth (*1).

Other insects listed were:- 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Forest Shield Bug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes) and 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris flavilinea).

The few birds seen were:- Magpie (*1); Swallow (*1); Mandarin Duck (*1 plus 2 young); Mallard (*2 + 3 young); Grey Wagtail (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1); Goldcrest (*1) and Jackaw (*3).

Eriophyes tiliae; Eriophes inangulis; Eriophyes laevis; Aceria myriadeum; were the few galls listed.

25th June 2022 - Denton Town FC, Tameside - A good few hours with a few fine folk pottering at Denton Town. It is a long haul trying to make it nature friendly and attarctive, we are getting there. Lepidopterans were all singles but the mix was made up of:- Small Tortoiseshell; Red Admiral; Meadow Brown; Large Skipper; Speckled Wood; Nettle Tap Moth; Burnished Brass; Blood-Vein; Silver Y; Cinnabar Moth and Straw Dot. I also found to Comma pupae - marvellous things.

Other insects seen were:- Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Notch Horned Clegg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybirds (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 3 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Brown Lacewing (Micromus variegatus); 4 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 5 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 4 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris flavilinea); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 4 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 5 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata) and several Harlequin Ladybird larvae and pupae.

I also saw a young Garden Spider.

24th June 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Pushing the bike homeward and the clouds were gathering. I did note though 1 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Mirid Bug (1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa) and 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

2 Galls were seen, these were:- Acalitus brevitarsus and Iteomyia capreae.

23rd June 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Under the weather with the heat and lurgy. I checked the moth trap, still numbers are not happening. The catch consisted of:- Brimstone (*3); Willow Beauty (*1); Riband Wave f. remutata (*2); Uncertain (*3); Marbled Minor agg (*1); Lozotaenia forsterana (*1); Brown House Moth (*2) and Bee Moth (*1). In the bathroom I found:- Spectacle (*1); Blastobasis adustella (*1); Willow Beauty (*1) and Riband Wave f. remutata whilst in the garden an Old Lady was seen at rest in the shade.

Also in the garden, the House Sparrows continued to feed their second brood, a Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum) and a Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) hung around the Nettles and Large Bindweed; Red Campion; Nipplewort; Herb Robert and Scorpionweed were all in flower.

20th June 2022 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - I was behind on many fronts but when the sun beckoned I decided to have a morn out and a mooch around this local area. Insects seen were:- 4 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 5 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Birch Shield Bug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 8 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 19 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 7 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria); 14 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris flavilinea); 4 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 3 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 2 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 2 * Common Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pallida); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 4 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 3 * Pea Weevil (Sitona sp); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 2 * Forest Shield Bug nymphs (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 3 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 1 * Marsh Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 5 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 1 * Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Blood-Vein (Timandra comae); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Welsh Chafer (Hoplia philanthus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata) and 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae).

To add to this, the hoverlies noted were:- Episyrphus balteatus (*3); Xylota segnis (*1); Sphaerophoria scripta (*1); Myathropa florea (*1); Eristalis tenax (*1); Helophilus pendulus (*2); Eupeodes luniger (*1); Cheilosia illustrata (*1); Epistrophe grossulariae (*1); Eristalis pertinax (*1) and Meliscaeva auricollis (*1).

The few flowers I noted in bloom were:- Silverweed; Yellow Flag Iris; Common Mouse Ear; Tufted Vetch; Meadow Vetchling; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Himalayan Balsam; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Elder; Red Campion; Herb Robert; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Creeping Buttercup; Garlic Mustard; Common Nettle; Slender Tare; Meadow Buttercup; Common Comfrey; Rape; Creeping Thistle; Bush Vetch; Bramble agg; Large Bindweed; Ground Elder; Hogweed; Ribwort Plantain; Pineappleweed; Red Clover and White Clover.

I only took note of a few galls:- Psyllopsis fraxini; Eriophyes inangulis; Eriophyes sorbi; Aceria macrochela and Wachtliella persicariae.

The few birds seen were:- Magpie; Blackbird; Common Whitethroat; Robin; Grey Wagtail; Mallard; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow and Common Buzzard.

With a Garden Snail and a White Lipped Banded Snail and at 103 species and with the heat rising I consider it time to get home and have some dinner.

18th June 2022 - Speke Hall, Liverpool, Merseyside - I should have been leading 2 family nature walks today, things didn't work out, I did one and then had a pootle with the missus. Birds seen were:- Magpie; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Robin; Song Thrush; Skylark; Shelduck; Cormorant; Common Whitethroat and Mallard.

Flowers noted in bloom were:- Germander Speedwell; Hedge Woundwort; Creeping Thistle; Red Clover; Bird's Foot Trefoil; Wild Carrot; Meadow Vetchling; Yellow Rattle; Tufted Vetch; Common Vetch; Bush Vetch; Bee Orchid; Marsh Woundwort; Bramble agg; Dandelion agg; Common Nettle; White Clover; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Field Madder; Ribwort Plantain; Common Mouse Ear; Meadow Buttercup; Daisy; Lesser Trefoil; Wild Radish; Green Alkanet; Self-Heal; Chickweed; Common Field Speedwell; Ox-Eye Daisy; Red Campion; White Campion; Elder; Hogweed; Creeping Buttercup; Cow Parsley; Goosegrass; Greater Celandine; Broad Leaved Dock; Curl Leaved Dock; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Pineappleweed; Wall Speedwell; Greater Plantain; Ground Elder; Tormentil; Creeping Cinquefoil; Silverweed; Garlic Mustard; Field Bindweed; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Nipplewort; Hairy Tare; Scarlet Pimpernel; Redshank; Yarrow; Rosebay Willowherb; Heath Bedstraw; Common Scurvygrass; Sea Milkwort and Large Bindweed.

Insect life was low due in part to the chill in the air and the low clouds. We did see however:- 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus); 8 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); 1 * Tortoise Bug (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 3 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Forest Shield Bug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 10 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Garden Chafer (Phyllopertha horticola); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Pea Weevil (Sitona sp); 2 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 2 * Yellow Shell (Camptogramma bilineata); 3 *Striped Slender Robberfly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Devil's Coach Horse (Ocypus olens); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 5 * Tumbling Flower Beetles (Anaspis maculata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis opaca); 2 * Tephrid Fly (Urophora jaceana agg) and 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater).

Galls picked out were:- Contarinia tiliae; Andricus kollari; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Eriophyes leiosoma; Eriophyes tiliae; Trioza remota; Aceria ulmicola; Euura proxima; Euura pendunculi; Iteomyia capreae and Aceria pseudoplatanea.

Also seen were:- Saltmarsh Rush; Sea Club Rush; Common Spike-Rush; Toad Rush; Cock's-Foot Grass; Crested Dog's Tail; Common Reed; Pill Woodlouse; Shiny Woodlouse; Rough Woodlouse; Large Yellow Slug agg and White Legged Snake Millipede making the end total (with a few fungi) - 143 species.

17th June 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A warm night and the moth trap was set. In the morn a flock of House Sparrows were feeding from the trap, was was left was as thus:- Riband Wave f. remutata (*2); Bee Moth (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*2); Angle Shades (*1); Marbled Minor agg (*2); Poplar Grey (*1); Teleiodes vulgella (*1); Heart and Dart (*3); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*1); Lozotaenia forsterana (*1); Anania coronata (*2); Buff Ermine (*1); Chrysoteuchia culmella (*1); Small Fan Foot (*1); Common Marbled Carpet (*1); Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (*1); Hedya nubiferana (*1); Eudonia lacustrata (*1); May Highflyer (*1) and Beautiful Hook Tip (*1).

Also in the mix were 1 * Orange Ladybird; 3 * Harlequin Ladybird and 1 Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

There was also an Ash Bud Moth and Willow Beauty in the bathroom.

16th June 2022 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - A day off work and a cycle and pootle at this local area. It was too warm for many bugs and hoverflies stayed low, however I did see:- Syritta pipiens (*1); Myathropa florea (*6); Episyrphus balteatus (*7); Epistrophe grossulariae (*1); Chalcosyrphus nemorum (*1); Melanostoma scalare (*1); Xylota segnis (*1); Cheilosia illustrata (*2); Merodon equestris (*1); Chrysogaster solstitialis (*4); Eristalis pertinax (*3); Leucozona laternaria (*2); Eristalis tenax (*1); Xylota sylvarum (*1); Helophilus pendulus (*1); Chrysotoxum bicinctum (*1) and Volucella pellucens (*1).

Other insects seen were:- 26 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 40+ * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 2 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria); 28 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 17 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 6 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); 3 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 4 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1* Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 2 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 3 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 4 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Pea Weevil (Sitona sp); 6 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 2 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Marsh Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Welsh Chafer (Hoplia philanthus); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Beautiful Plume Moth (Amblyptilia acanthadactyla); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis opaca); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Heterotoma planicornis); 2 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 5 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris flavilinea); 2 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis); 3 * Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 3 * Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx vittata); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 10 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 2 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma quadrifaria) and 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

Blooms noted were as follows:- Common Comfrey; Hogweed; Bramble agg; Goosegrass; Common Nettle; Large Bindweed; Hedge Woundwort; Northern Marsh Orchid; Wood Avens; Garlic Mustard; Broad Leaved Dock; Common Field Speedwell; Pineappleweed; Creeping Buttercup; Small Leaved Lime; Herb Robert; Procumbent Pearlwort; Curl Leaved Dock; Yellow Flag Iris; Ground Elder; Wavy Bittercress; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Tufted Vetch; Elder; Cow Parsley; Meadow Buttercup; Hawthorn; White Clover; Meadow Vetchling; Red Campion; Dandelion agg; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Ox-Eye Daisy; Ribwort Plantain; Lady's Mantle agg; Daisy; Common Sorrel; Yarrow; Yellow-Rattle; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Vetch; Grass Vetchling; Hairy Tare; Common Mouse Ear; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bush Vetch; Creeping Thistle; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Slender Speedwell; Cuckooflower and Lesser Trefoil.

Galls were made up of:- Euura proxima; Aceria macrorhynca; Psyllopsis fraxini; Phyllopcoptes goniothorax; Eriophyes laevis; Eriophyes inangulis; Aceria pseudoplatanea; Eriophyes similis; Andricus kollari; Trioza remota; Protomyces macrosporus; Aceria cephalonea; Eriophyes crataegi and Eriophyes leiosoma.

The few birds actually seen without binoculars were:- Robin; Collared Dove; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Goldcrest; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Grey Heron; Moorhen; Canada Goose; Dunnock; Mallard and House Sparrow.

Other additions noted whilst pottering were:- Shiny Woodlouse; Field Horestail; Cock's-Foot Grass; Garden Snail and Strawberry Snail.

After a few fungi were added the count today was 150 species.

15th June 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A few more moths to keep my senses tickled:- Brimstone (*1); Green Oak Tortrix (*1); Anania coronata (*2); Tachystola acroxantha (*2); Diamond Back Moth (*1); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*1); Angle Shades (*1); Spectacle (*1); Lozotaenia forsterana (*4); Buff Ermine (*1); Heart and Dart (*1); Brown House Moth (*1) and Small Magpie (*1).

A Straw Dot was in the garden later in the day.

11th June 2022 - Denton Town FC, Tameside - A little bit more work on the ground and whilst pottering we saw four moth species:- Snout; Small Magpie; Nettle Tap and Straw Dot.

4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 2 Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

3 Common Frogs were nice to see too as well as a Dunnock and 2 House Sparrows.

11th June 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A windy night was forecast but I decided to put the moth trap out for only the 2nd time this year. The catch, as expected was small, but I enjoyed catching up with old friends. The list was:- Heart and Dart (*3); Flame Shoulder (*1); Brown House Moth (*1); Large Yellow Underwing (*1); Gothic (*1); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*1); Hedya nubiferana (*1) and a Barred Fruit Tree Tortrix.

A Green Pug and Bee Moth were in the bathroom.

A Silverfish was in the trap too and a patch of Garlic Mustard in the garden was playing host to several Large White Caterpillars.

In the garden later in the day was a Narcissi Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris) and a Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum).

10th June 2022 - Heaton Mersey Orchard/Meadow, Stockport, G.Manchester - a half hour pootle on the way home and I saw:- 1 * Marsh Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Pipiza noctiluca); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Tortoise Bug (Cassida rubiginosa); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum festivum) and 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis).

Lepidoptera were represented by:- Pammene aurana (*3); Straw Dot (*1); Common Marble Moth (*1); Common Blue (*3); Speckled Wood (*2); Meadow Brown (*1) and Large Skipper (*1).

Fox and Cubs; Lesser Stitchwort and Meadow Crane's-Bill were in fine flower.

8th June 2022 - Paddington Meadows, Warrington, Cheshire - A walk was led and following a terrible downpour that gave rise to serious doubt, we cracked on with a fine group and clocked up a decent list of species before the sky cracked once more.

Flowers in bloom were as follows:- Rough Sow Thistle; Scented Mayweed; Square Stemmed Willowherb; Many Flowered Rose; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Angelica; Common Mouse Ear; Common Sorrel; Hedge Mustard; Chickweed; White Dead Nettle; Ground Elder; Common Bistort; Wavy Bittercress; Cuckooflower; White Campion; Greater Plantain; Groundsel; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Claridge Druce Crane's-Bill; Wood Avens; Shining Crane's-Bill; Herb Robert; Elder; Bramble agg; White Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Common Nettle; Black Medick; Red Clover; Goosegrass; Daisy; Common Vetch; Lesser Trefoil; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hedge Woundwort; Broad leaved Dock; Curl Leaved Dock; Pendulous Sedge; Hogweed; Figwort; Broom; Hairy Tare; Large Bindweed; Creeping Buttercup; Red Campion; Yellow Flag Iris; Cow Parsley; Meadow Buttercup; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Green Alkanet; Nipplewort; Dandelion agg; Sainfoin; Common Comfrey; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yarrow; Hedgerow Crane's Bill; Bladder Campion; Pineappleweed; Greater Knapweed; Foxglove; Shepherd's Purse; Common Field Speedwell; Goat's Beard; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Northern Marsh Orchid and Tufted Vetch.

Galls added included:- Andricus curvator; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Taphrina pruni; Aceria macrochela; Euura proxima; Euura pedunculi; Myzus ligustri; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Aceria pseudoplatanea and Aceria cephalonea.

Lepidopteran interest was maintain by:- Speckled Wood (*4); Straw Dot (*1); Nettle Tap Moth (*3); Large Skipper (*1); Common Marble Moth (*1); Silver Ground Carpet (*2) and Silver Y (*1).

Hoverflies noted were:- Tropidia scita (*1); Helophilus pendulus (*3); Episyrphus balteatus (*4); Chalcosyrphus nemorum (*1); Xylota segnis (*2); Sphaerophoria scripta (*1); Merodon equestris (*1) and Eristalis pertinax (*1).

Other insect life was represent by:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rustica); 1 * Tortoise Bug (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Dance Fly (Empis tessellata); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea); 6 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 4 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Mirid Bug (Pithanus maerkelii); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa cognata); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 3 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber ); 1 * Down-Looker Snipe-Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 3 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Tephrid Fly (Oxyna parietina); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae), 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pallida); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris);  1 * Striped Slender Robberfly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha nigriventris); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Marsh Damsel Bug (Nabis limbatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 2 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Tumbling Flower Beetle (Anaspis maculata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) + 2 * Small Tortoiseshell larvae.

The few birds picked out were:- Canada Goose; Shoveler; Cormorant; Goldfinch; Reed Bunting; Swift; Black Headed Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Buzzard; Blackbird; Mallard and Grey Heron.

We also saw a small gathering of Roach; the Liverworts (Marchantia polymorpha) and (Frullania dilatata); False Oat Grass; Cock's-Foot Grass; Yorkshire Fog; Common Horsetail; Toad Rush (Juncus bufonius); Common Alder; Sycamore; Blackthorn; Field Maple; Hawthorn; Silver Birch; Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica); Wood Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum affine); a Common Frog and a White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).

With a few fungi added the end tally was 191 species - not bad for a wet day.

6th June 2022 - Fletcher Moss, G. Manchester - A few galls were picked out whilst [ootling about, these were:- Mikiola fagi; Dasineura acrophila; Psyllopsis fraxini; Eriophyes inangulis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Acalitus stenaspis; Aceria nervisequa; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Eriophyes crataegi; Contarinia tiliarum; Eriophyes leiosoma; Dasineura ulmaria; Eriophyes tiliae; Phytoptus tetratrichus; Aceria macrochela; Pemphigus spyrothecae; Eriophyes similis; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Iteomyia capreae; Aceria erinea; Taxomyia taxi; Protomyces macrosporus; Trioza remota; Aceria pseudoplatanea and Euura pedunculi.

The weather was overcast with a slight chill, insects stayed low but I did spy:- 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 20 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Forest Shield Bug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 3 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 5 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).

2 bryophytes keyed out were:- Metzgeria furcata and Orthotrichum affine.

4th June 2022 - Hopton Quarry, Derbyshire - A pootle at a favoured site and a look at the flowers. Species in bloom were:- Dusky Crane's-Bill; Creeping Buttercup; Herb Robert; Welsh Poppy; Red Clover; Common Milkwort; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Daisy; Bugle; Salad Burnet; Frog Orchid; Bramble agg; Germander Speedwell; Spindle; Bush Vetch; Rock Rose; Lady's Mantle agg; Wild Strawberry; Fly Orchid; Ribwort Plantain; Tormentil; Lily of the Valley; Eyebright agg; Common Dog Violet; Mouse Ear Hawkweed; Water Avens; Twayblade and Ox-Eye Daisy.

Lepidoptrerans were represented by 1 * Forester; 1 * Dingy Skipper; 1 * Clouded Border; 1 * Small Heath and 4 * Wood Tiger.

Other insects seen were:- 20+ Black and Red Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Dance Fly (Empis tessellata); 2 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela campestris); 1 * Lacewing (Nineta flava); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * Tortoise Bug (Eurygaster testudinaria); 1 * Lacehopper (Tachycixius pilosus); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Chaetostomella cylindrica); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha lignosa); 1 * Picture Wing Fly (Herina frondescentiae); 2 * Leaf Beetle (Cryptocephalus bipunctatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Ground Bug (Cymus glandicolor); 1 * Lacewing (Micromus variegatus) and 1 * Crane-Fly (Epiphragma ocellare).

Quaking Grass; Blackbird and a singing male Redstart were the other species noted as well as the galls:- Iteomyia capeae; Aceria sanguisorbiae; Acalitus rudis and Euura pedunculi and a White Lipped Banded Snail.

4th June 2022 - Padley Gorge, Derbyshire - An early walk to get the blood flowing. Through woods and out onto the moors with tea and lemon cake to finish - not bad at all. We didn't see that much but we did record what we did see. Flowers noted were:- Herb Robert; Greater Stitchwort; Wood Avens; Goosegrass; Germander Speedwell; Garlic Mustard; Cow Parsley; Sanicle; Crosswort; Bush Vetch; Meadow Buttercup; Tormentil; Marsh Thistle; Whitebeam; Bluebell; Yellow Pimpernel; White Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Cuckooflower; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Heath Speedwell; Cowberry; Ox-Eye Daisy; Wild Strawberry; Bugle; 3 Nerved Sandwort; Heath Bedstraw; Common Milkwort and White Corydalis.

The few insects seen were:- 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans).

4 * Small Heath and 2 * Common Heath were the only members of the lepidoptera seen.

The couple of bird species seen were:- Carrion Crow; Robin; Curlew; Meadow Pipit; Grey Wagtail; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch and Swallow.

We also saw the mosss Plagiomnium undulatum; Common Cotton Grass; Quaking Grass; Great Wood Rush; a Grey Squirrel and the galls:- Eriophyes laevis; Aceria nervisequa and Chirosia betuleti.

A tidy spider confirmed by a lady online was Evarcha falcata, a dinky little thing.

3rd June 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A day of catching up and doing chores. In the bathroom I found the following moths:- Small Fan-Foot; Common Marbled Carpet; Brimstone and Freyer's Pug whilst in the garden a Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) buzzed about a nearby a Sparrowhawk flew over the street.

A Holly Blue also paid a visit.

2nd June 2022 - Linacre Reservoir, Chesterfield, Derbyshire - A straight ahead walk to get the daily steps in, we still managed to see a few things.

Birds seen were:- Wood Pigeon; Pheasant; Jackdaw; Robin; Tufted Duck; Blackbird; Mallard; Great Crested Grebe; Carrion Crow; Coot; Moorhen; Grey Wagtail and Goldcrest.

Flowers in bloom were:- Bitter Vetchling; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Red Campion; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Daisy; Herb Robert; Garlic Mustard; Dandelion agg; Meadow Buttercup; Ramsons; Germander Speedwell; Figwort; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Wood Speedwell; Yellow Pimpernel; Common Nettle; Sanicle; Greater Stitchwort; Spanish Bluebell; Common Sorrel; Hawthorn; Broom; Red Clover; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yellow Rattle; Ribwort Plantain; 3 Nerved Sandwort; Sweet Woodruff; Brooklime; Bramble agg and Foxglove.

The insect count was:- 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rustica); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 2 * Black and Red Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 3 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 4 * Bracken Bug (Ditropis pteridis); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 2 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Common Wave (Cabera exanthemata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Calocoris
alpestris); 1 * Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina oricalcia); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Hoverfly (Chalcosyrphus nemorum) and 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

A few galls noted were:- Eriophyes laevis; Aceria cephalonea; Andricus kollari and Phyllocoptes goniothorax.

We also saw Wood Melick and Great Wood Rush.

2nd June 2022 - Brearley Park Wetlands NR, Chesterfield, Derbyshire - A small area roamed in warm weather with the fields around us laden with buttercups - it was a lovely sight although not great for a varied bug count. The insects we did see were:- 4 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Black Horned Clegg (Haematopota crassicornis); 1 * Striped Slender Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 2 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Soldier Fly (Rhagonycha nigriventris); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 1 * Crane-Fly (Epiphragma ocellare); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthochoris nemorum); 3 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 13 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymphs (Leptophyes punctatissima); 5 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 3 * Black and Red Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Down-Looker Snipe-Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Spear Thistle Lace Bug (Tingus cardui); 1 * Mirid Bug (Cyllecoris histrionius); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis figurata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 4 * Ground Bug (Cymus glandicolor) and 3 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata).

Butterflies and moths seen were:- Small Copper (*1); Small Tortoiseshell (*1); Speckled Wood (*2); Silver Ground Carpet (*2); Burnet Companion (*4); Garden Carpet (*1); Rivulet (*1) and Straw Dot (*1).

A few flowers were pondered, these being:- Common Field Speedwell; Red Campion; Elder; Bush Vetch; Tufted Vetch; Yellow Flag Iris; Marsh Thistle; Bugle; Creeping Cinquefoil; Ox-Eye Daisy; Lesser Stitchwort; Great Burnet; Yellow Rattle; Hogweed; Goosegrass; Cow Parsley; Meadow Buttercup; Changing Forget-Me-Not; Cuckooflower; Red Clover and White Clover.

The few birds observed were:- Common Whitethroat; Blackbird; Swift; Jay; and House Sparrow.

Galls noted were:- Dasineura ulmaria.

2nd June 2022 - Holmebrook Valley CP, Chesterfield, Derbyshire - An early morning walk with the sun rising and getting mighty warm but the grasslands too wet to sweepnet. We had a fine walk and a cuppa and snack to finish, birds seen were:- Goldfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; Mallard; Magpie; Moorhen; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Coot and Robin.

Flowers observed were:- Cow Parsley; White Clover; Meadow Buttercup; Dandelion agg; Common Vetch; Ox-Eye Daisy; Red Clover; Black Medick; Red Campion; Bush Vetch; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Yellow Flag Iris; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Wood Avens; Common Nettle; Garlic Mustard; Elder; Yellow Rattle; Eyebright agg; Salad Burnet; Common Sorrel; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Ragged Robin; Cuckooflower; Grass Vetchling, Ground Ivy; Common Mouse Ear and Lesser Stitchwort.

The insects (including butterflies and moths) identified were:- ; 2 * Red Tailed Bee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 3 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Click Beetle (Athous haemorrhoidalis); 2 * Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus); 2 * Burnet Companion (Euclidia glyphica); 1 * Small Yellow Underwing (Panemeria tenebrata); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 4 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 50+ Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus)1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rustica); 1 * Notch Horned Clegg (Haematopota pluvialis) and 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes).

We also saw the galls:- Euura proxima; Dasineura fraxini; Eriophyes laevis; Aceria macrochela; Trioza remota; Psyllopsis fraxini and Eriophyes inangulis.

1st June 2022 - Alexandra Park, Oldham, G. Manchester - A stroll around a quite lovely park with a cuppa to start and an ice cream to finish. Birds species seen were:- Mallard; Coot; Moorhen; Wood Pigeon; Canada Goose; Blue Tit; Grey Heron; Tufted Duck; Dunnock; Feral Pigeon; House Sparrow; Starling; Carrion Crow; Song Thrush; Magpie; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Black Headed Gull and Robin.

Wild flowers in bloom were:- Cow Parsley; Yellow Flag Iris; Procumbent Pearlwort; Wood Avens; Goosegrass; Daisy; Herb Robert; Dandelion agg; Guelder Rose; Ribwort Plantain; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Groundsel; Thale Cress; Rape; Common Bistort; Comfrey agg; Greater Celandine; Hogweed; Cuckooflower; Red Clover; Common Vetch; Common Nettle; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Bush Vetch; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Lesser Trefoil; Hairy Tare; Chickweed; Red Campion; Elder; Shepherd's Purse and Silverweed.

Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) and Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans) were the few insects seen.

We also saw a Grey Squirrel and the galls:- Eriophyes tiliae; Psyllopsis fraxini; Eriophyes leiosoma and Phyllocoptes goniothorax.

1st June 2022 - Glodwick Lows NR, Oldham, G. Manchester - Up at the crack with the daughter dropped off to work and me and the missus out and about by 7.30am. A wander to stretch the legs, a pick up of some litter and some species recorded - grand indeed. Flowers in bloom were:- White Clover; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Herb Robert; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Japanese Rose; Daisy; Common Vetch; Lesser Trefoil; Red Clover; Broom; Foxglove; Common Sorrel; Wood Avens; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Goosegrass; Cow Parsley; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Hairy Tare; Bluebell; Common Nettle; Hawthorn and Welsh Poppy.

The few early morning birds seen were:- Bullfinch (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Blue Tit (*1); Goldfinch (*4); Blackbird (*5); Starling (*2); Great Tit (*1); Magpie (*5); Chaffinch (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1) and Jackdaw (*2).

2 moths were seen, these were 2 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana) and 1 * Hook Streak Grass Veneer (Crambus lathoniellus).

Hoverflies seen were:- Eristalis arbustorum; Xylota segnis and Episyrphus balteatus.

Other insects seen were:- 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 1 * Click Beetle (Athous haemorrhoidalis); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus).

We also saw Whitebeam; a Nursey Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and a Red Fox plus the galls:- Trioza remota and Eriophyes inangulis.

31st May 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G.Manchester - A rainy day but whilst roaming up down a sunny pathway at the side of the motorway I noted the following hoverflies:- Helophilus pendulus (*3); Chrystoxum festivum (*1); Volucella pellucens (*1): Episyrphus balteatus (*1); Syrphus ribesii (*1); Syritta pipiens (*1); Eristalis tenax (*6); Pipizella viduata (*1); Eupeodes corollae (*1); Platycheirus scutatus s.s (*1) and Leucozona lucorum (*1).

I also saw:- 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 6 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 18 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa) and the moth Pammene aurana.

A Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) frequented the undergrowth and Tufted Vetch was in flower.

30th May 2022 - Wright's Wood NR, Stockport, G.Manchester - After a busy weekend it was a case of a short bike ride, a 60 minute pootle and home. Whilst spending time in this small area I saw the following blooms:- Common Nettle; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Goosegrass; Herb Robert; Red Campion; Meadow Buttercup; Wood Avens; Water Avens; Ground Elder; Fringe Cups; Garlic Mustard; Yellow Flag Iris; Daisy; Ragged Robin; Bramble agg and Elder.

A Collared Dove and 2 Wrens were in the mix as well as a Grey Squirrel and the Click Beetle (Athous haemorrhoidalis). Cock's Foot Grass was looking as nice as ever.

29th May 2022 - Boggart Clough, G.Manchester - Prior to an afternoon gig we called in at this spot, had a brew and a cheese toastie and then recorded a few species. The few bird species seen were:- Canada Goose; Feral Pigeon; Coot; Magpie; Grey Heron and Carrion Crow.

Flowers in bloom were:- Yellow Flag Iris; Red Campion; White Dead Nettle; Wood Avens; Herb Robert; Meadow Buttercup; Ribwort Plantain; Cuckooflower; Yellow Water Lily; Lady's Mantle agg; Common Bistort; Claridge Druce Crane's-Bill; Common Mouse Ear; Common Sorrel; Bush Vetch; Red Clover; Guelder Rose; Silverweed; White Clover; Multiflora Rose; Bramble agg; Cow Parsley; Marsh Marigold; Daisy; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Fox and Cubs; Lesser Trefoil; Common Nettle and Thyme Leaved Speedwell.

The few galls noted were:- Eriophyes inangulis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Euura proxima; Iteomyia capreae; Mikiola fagi and Psyllopsis fraxini.

8 * Red Tailed Bumbleebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Dance Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha nigriventris) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) were the only insects picked out.

29th May 2022 - Moston Fairway, G.Manchester - Cloudy weather with a slight chill didn't dampen our appreciation of this tucked away haven. Flowers noted were:- Lupin; Sweet Woodruff; Daisy; Spotted Dead Nettle; Red Campion; Germander Speedwell; Wild Strawberry; Broom; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Common Vetch; Herb Robert; Bush Vetch; Hogweed; Cuckooflower; Ribwort Plantain; Red Clover; Meadow Buttercup; Common Nettle; Creeping Buttercup; Bramble agg; Common Sorrel and Claridge Druce Crane's-Bill.

Due to the grumpy weather insects were few, we did spy singles of:- Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata).

2 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); a Blackbird; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Wren and Goldfinch were seen as well as the gall:- Taphrina pruni; Eriophyes similis; Eriophyes pyri; Trioza remota; Psyllopsis fraxini; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Phyllocoptes eupadi; Pristiphora monogyniae; Aculus laevis and Iteomyia capreae.

Crested Dog's Tail and Cock's-Foot were two grasses added to the small tally.

28th May 2022 - Denton Town, Tameside - Myself and the missus met up with our mate Claire and did a good stint on the nature area. Local club bods Gary and Rob did some strimming and the fine gent that is Jimmy provided the drinks. I had a pootle whilst there and saw:- 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hairy Yellow Face Bee (Hylaeus hyalinatus); 3 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Murky Legged Black Legionnaire (Beris chalybata); 2 * Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis figurata); 2 * Five Spotted Flutter Fly (Palloptera quinquemaculata), 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) nand 4 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata).

Lepidoptera were represented by;- Small White (*1); Light Brown Apple Moth (*2); Nettle Tap Moth (*1) and Pyrausta aurata (*1).

Hoverflies seen were:- Episyrphus balteatus (*2); Volucella bombylans (*2) and Eristalis pertinax (*1).

I also saw a Nursey Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

23rd May 2022 - River Mersey, Didsbury, G. Manchester - There is a spot along the river I like to visit a couple of times each year. It is tucked away and verdant. After 60 minutes I comiled the following lists.

Birds noted were:- Greenfinch (*1); Dunnock (*1); Song Thrush (*2); Wren (*1); Sand Martin (*1); House Sparrow (*3); Mallard (*11); Carrion Crow (*1); Ring Necked Parakeet (*2); Wood Pigeon (*1); Blackbird (*1); Grey Wagtail (*1); Great Tit (*1) and Starling (*2).

Insects seen were:- 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 4 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird1 * Dance Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma appendiculata); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus); 2 * Meadow Longhorn Moth (Cauchas rufimitrella); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 22 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 9 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia variabilis); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus) and 6 * Small Tortoiseshell larvae (Aglais urticae).

Fragance and colour was supplied by the following blooms:- Elder; Red Dead Nettle; Wavy Bittercress; Ground Elder; Goosegrass; Red Campion; White Dead Nettle; Wood Avens; Cuckooflower; Meadow Buttercup; Hogweed; Bramble agg; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Dame's Violet; Thale Cress; Brooklime; Rape; Cow Parsley; Shepherd's Purse; Broad Leaved Dock; Groundsel; Common Nettle; Redshank; Sycamore; Comfrey agg and Garlic Mustard.

I also noted some Cock's-Foot Grass and the gall Euura proxima.

22nd May 2022 - Saltmarshe Delph, East Yorkshire - A tucked away area to finish the weekend. Insects seen were:- 2 * Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Cock's Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Pea Weevil (Sitona sp); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis lateralis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha nigriventris); 1 * Spear Thistle Lacebug (Tingis cardui); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Jewelled Beetle (Plateumaris sericea); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis) and 1 * Common Flower Beetle (Anthocoris nemorum).

Ribwort Plantain; Scented Mayweed; Small Flowered Crane's-Bill; Borage; Sycamore; Shepherd's Purse; White Clover; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Chickweed; Goosegrass; Common Vetch; Black Medick; Hedge Mustard; Crosswort; Dandelion agg; Yellow Flag Iris; White Dead Nettle; Meadow Buttercup; Germander Speedwell; Bramble agg; Hogweed; Horse Chestnut; Hawthorn; Crosswort; Common Nettle; Bluebell; Herb Robert; Garlic Mustard; Twayblade and Black Bryony.

The few birds noted were:- Jackaw; Buzzard; Magpie; Greylag Goose; Mute Swan; Wood Pigeon and Carrion Crow.

We also saw an Orange Tip; a Comma; a Brimstone; Small White; Speckled Wood; Striped Woodlouse and a Garden Snail plus the galls - Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Eriophyes similis and Aceria campestricola.

22nd May 2022 - North Cave Wetlands, East Yorkshire - A cuppa and then an early morning walk with the entomological front represented by :- 5 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Pea Weevil (Sitona sp); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Golden Bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle (Agapanthia villosoviridescens); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 2 * Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata); 4 * Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae); 2 * Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus); 1 * Giant Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 1 * Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis); 1 * Pied Shieldbug (Tritomegas bicolor); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Azure Damselfy (Coenagrion puella);1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 3 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Miris striatus); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 3 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 3 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymphs (Leptophyes punctatissima); 2 * Hoverfly (Tropidia scita); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Dance Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Drinker Moth larva (Euthrix potatoria); 8 * Black and Red Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 2 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Click Beetle (Athous haemorrhoidalis); 1 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Willow Beetle Willow Beetle (Lochmaea caprea); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida); 1 * Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina polita); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Ichneumon Wasp (Heteropelma amictum); 3 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Rove Beetle (Tachyporus chrysomelinus agg); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rustica); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Lacebug (Tingis ampliata); 1 * Raspberry Beetle (Byturus tomentosus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis) and 8 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus).

The botanical side of things threw up :- Common Fiddleneck; Wood Avens; Pendulous Sedge; Greater Stitchwort; Black Medick; Common Vetch; Dandelion agg; Common Comfrey; Red Clover; Silverweed; Cuckooflower; Shepherd's Purse; Hedge Mustard; Common Field Speedwell; Field Pansy; Common Stork's-Bill; Wall Speedwell; Lesser Trefoil; Hogweed; Common Sorrel; Red Campion; White Campion; Hawthorn; Cow Parsley; White Dead Nettle; Meadow Buttercup; Ribwort Plantain; Ox-Eye Daisy; Bramble agg; Common Nettle; Goosegrass; Elder; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Bush Vetch; Salad Burnet; Crosswort; Ragged Robin; Cowlsip; Daisy; Garlic Mustard; Common Poppy; Creeping Buttercup; Yellow Flag Iris; Germander Speedwell; White Clover; Dove's Foot Crane's-Bill; Common Mouse Ear and Thale Cress.

The bird list comprised of:- Sedge Warbler; Rook; Grey Heron; Magpie; Goldfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Green Woodpecker; Lapwing; Little Grebe; Oystercatcher; Pied Wagtail; Little Ringed Plover; Dunnock; Moorhen; Teal; Sand Martin; Carrion Crow; Greylag Goose; Little Egret; Reed Bunting; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Mute Swan; Great Crested Grebe; Mallard; Tufted Duck; Feral Pigeon; Common Tern; Cormorant; Black Headed Gull; Blackbird; Shelduck; Avocet; Wood Pigeon; House Sparrow; Gadwall; Blackcap; Chiffchaff; Robin; Coot; Swift; Great Tit plus Cetti's Warbler; Reed Bunting; Wren and Common Whitethroat on call.

The Spider (Larinoides cornutus); the Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); 3 * Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus); the Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis) and the Galls:- Euura pedunculi; Dasineura ulmaria and Aceria campestricola were added to a fair tally.

21st May 2022 - Stockhill Wood, East Yorkshire - A wander through a small wood, Hawthorn; Red Campion; Greater Periwinkle; Ground Ivy; Geulder Rose and White Dead Nettle were all sporting blooms.

1 * Azure Damselfy (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Dance Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata) and 3 * Black and Red Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata) were the insects seen.

Long Tailed Tit; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Common Whitethroat; Bullfinch and Sedge Warbler were noted as well as the galls:- Cecidophyes rouhollahi and Phytoptus avellanae.

21st May 2022 - River Humber, Tickton, East Yorkshire - A final walk of the day broken by a stop off at a woodland. Flowers noted were:- White Clover; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Yellow Flag Iris; Dandelion agg and Rape.

A few birds added were:- Rook; Reed Bunting; Reed Warbler; Swift; Mallard; Little Egret; Lapwing and Swallow.

2 Orange Tips and 6 Harlequin Ladybirds were picked out too.

21st May 2022 - Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire - An early morning stroll in fine weather with the wind refreshing and the sun aiding in some stunning bird views. Species seen were:- Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw; Blackbird; Tree Sparrow; Razorbill; Gannet; Guillemot; Puffin; Kittiwake; Feral Pigeon; Common Whitethroat; Herring Gull; Corn Bunting; Reed Bunting; Skylark; Pheasant; Carrion Crow; Meadow Pipit; Peregrine Falcon; Fulmar; Yellow Wagtail; Goldfinch and Chiffchaff.

The insects were still in bed it seemed and the wind was helping keep the critters tucked away. The few we did see were:- 24 Spot Ladybird (Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata); Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); Black and Red Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria): 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); Dance Fly (Empis tessellata) and St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci).

1 * Red Admiral; 1 * Small White; 1 * Green Veined White; 1 * Peacock; 9 * Painted Lady and several Cock's Foot Moths were the only representatives of the lepidoptera family.

Flowers in bloom were few, these were:- Red Campion; Gorse; Creeping Buttercup; Hogweed; Common Mouse Ear; Shepherd's Purse; Ribwort Plantain; Daisy; White Campion; Lesser Trefoil;' Dandelion agg; Common Sorrel; White Dead Nettle; Red Dead Nettle; Cow Parsley; Groundsel; Pineappleweed and Common Nettle.

The only other thing seen was a Brown Hare.

19th May 2022 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - After leading a walk I called at a pie shop and made my way home through this local park. It was getting to be a sizzler and too hot for the bugs and me. 2 Hoverfly species noted were: Xylota segnis (*1) and Episyrphus balteatus (*1). Other insects seen were:- 16 * Downlooker Snipefly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 8 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 5 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Dance Fly (Empis tessellata); 8 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

Marsh Thistle and Greater Spearwort were now in flower and the Gall (Trioza remota) was noted.

19th May 2022 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk taking a group of carers around a local area looking at a bit of this, that and of course, 't'other. Flowers discussed in bloom were:- Bird Cherry; Yellow Rattle; Ox-Eye Daisy; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Goat's-Beard, Ribwort Plantain; Red Campion; Hawthorn; Sycamore; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Comfrey; Garlic Mustard; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Dandelion agg; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Bramble agg; Common Nettle; Spanish Bluebell; Bush Vetch; Cuckooflower; Wood Stitchwort; Common Vetch; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Herb Robert; Hedge Mustard; Thale Cress; Yellow Flag Iris; Large Bittercress and Shepherd's Purse.

It was too dull to find many insects but we did see:- 10+ Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 3 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quatuordecimguttata); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata) and a few Nettle Pollen Beetles (Brachypterus glaber).

Canada Geese with young, a Collared Dove, Moorhen, House Sparrow; Mallard, Ring Necked Parakeet and Magpie were noted too.

A few galls were spiec priot to the walk:- Eriophyes inangulis; Taphrina pruni; Cecidophyes rouhollahi and Eriophyes similis.

With a few fungi pondered and tea and cake to finish all seemed happy and gave generous thanks. In truth, these folk are a pleasure to be around and to share some natural gems and a piece of escapism is my pleasure.

18th May 2022 - River Mersey/Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Cycling to work and a female Mallard trundled along the path in front of me so I dismounted, said 'hello' and had a short walk.  Curl leaved Dock; Broad Leaved Dock; Dame's Violet; Foxglove and Creeping Cinquefoil were all noted to be sporting their individual blooms on a fine sunny morning.

Walking home and 5 * Swollen Thighed Beetles (Oedemera nobilis) were seen in the local orchard.

17th May 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A pootle in the meadow after work and Silverweed was now in effective flower with Ground Elder and Horse Radish sporting blooms and the latter plant holding one tiny Orange Tip egg. A male Orange Tip was seen nearby as well as 3 Common Roller Moths (Ancylis badiana) and one Small Yellow Underwing (Panemeria tenebrata). A single 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata), a lone Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); a Tortoise Bug (Cassida rubiginosa) and 2 Harlequin Ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis) were other insects seen.

Psyllopsis fraxini was prevalent on one small Ash tree.

16th May 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A nip into Stockport for some dinner. Walking back down a short stretch of the river I saw a pair of Blue Tits; 2 Kingfishers chasing one another, a Dipper feeding its young and another adult flitting about, 4 Sand Martins, a Grey Wagtail, several Mallards with one female taking her ducklings for a swim, 2 male Blackbirds falling out, a calling Carrion Crow and a singing Goldfinch.

A Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); a Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 5 Harlequin Ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum) were the only insects seen on a rather dull and damp day.

Blooms noted were:- Wall Speedwell; Cow Parsley; Daisy; Sycamore; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Groundsel; Rape; Lesser Trefoil; Common Mouse Ear; Monkeyflower; Goosegrass; Meadow Buttercup; Fringecups; Red Valerian; Elder; Greater Periwinkle; Creeping Buttercup; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; American Wintercress; Cuckooflower; Rowan; Red Campion; Shining Crane's-Bill; Garlic Mustard; Germander Speedwell; Hedge Mustard; Spanish Bluebell; Ramsons; White Dead nettle; Hawthorn; Common Vetch; Wood Avens; Ox-Eye Daisy; Red Clover; Bramble agg; Ground Elder; Common Nettle; Lesser Trefoil and Dandelion agg.

Galls noted were:- Aceria cephalonea; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Dasineura fraxini; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum (sexual stage); Euura pedunculi; Euura proxima;
Iteomyia capreae and Cryptomyzus ribis.

15th May 2022 - Carr Vale and Peter Fidler NR, Bolsover, Derbyshire - After a gig the previous night we were up a little later than usual so just went to one place, wander in the fine sunshine and had chips and a warm drink at a roadside cafe to finish. Birds were tough to see today but we did put bins on the following species:- Reed Warbler; Magpie; Long Tailed Tit; Grey Heron; Canada Goose; Coot; Mallard; Tufted Duck; Gadwall; Moorhen; Cormorant; Mute Swan; Great Crested Grebe; Greylag Goose; Swallow; Reed Bunting; Jackdaw; Linnet; Goldfinch; Willow Warbler; Carrion Crow and Pied Wagtail.

Insects were starting to appear although the weather was too warm many. Plenty Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) were joined by:- 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 11 * Black and Red Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lunata); 1 * Red Dock Weevel (Apion frumentarium); 1 * Click Beetle (Dalopius marginatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 8 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 10+ * Willow Beetle (Lochmaea caprea); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 7 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 4 * Red Headed Cardinal (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 5 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Water Ladybird (Anistosticta novemdecimpunctata); 2 * Dance Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha nigriventris); 1 * Blue Mason Bee (Osmia caerulescens); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 10 * Pea Weevil (Sitona sp); 6 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 6 * 4 Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pellucida); 1 * Rove Beetle (Tachyporus obtusus) and 3 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae).

Butterflies seen were:- 1 * Green Veined White; 16 * Orange Tip; 2 * Small White; 3 * Speckled Wood; 2 * Small Tortoiseshell; 5 * Brimstone; 2 * Red Admiral; 1 * Peacock; 1 * Common Blue plus 1 * Garden Carpet; 4 * Cock's-Foot Moth; 1 * Green Longhorn (Adela reaumurella) and 3 * Grass Rivulet.

Blooms noted were:- Herb Robert; Cow Parsley; Dandelion agg; Bush Vetch; Hairy Tare; White Dead Nettle; Hawthorn; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Hogweed; Common Vetch; Ribwort Plantain; Guelder Rose; Red Campion; Garlic Mustard; Wood Avens; Ragged Robin; Hedge Mustard; Ramsons; Spanish Bluebell; Cuckooflower; Yellow Flag Iris; Germander Speedwell; Scarlet Pimpernel; Common Mouse Ear; Daisy; Black Medick; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Cowslip; Yellow Rattle; Common Sorrel; White Clover; Red Clover; Lords and Ladies; Greater Stitchwort; Lady's Mantle agg; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Changing Forget-Me-Not; Ox-Eye Daisy and Lesser Trefoil.

We also saw the galls (Euura pedunculi) and (Taphrina alni); Glaucous Sedge; 2 * Brown Hares; 1 * Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); 1 * Furrow Spider (Larinioides cornutus) 1 * Nursey Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 1 * Swan Mussel (Anodonta cygnea); Hart's Tongue Fern; Common Alder; Silver Birch; Elder and a couple of rust fungi making a total of 128 species.

13th May 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - The working week was done so home I went, cut the lawn and had a read. Whilst in the garden 3 species of hoverfly were seen:- 2 * Epistrophe eligans; 1 * Eupeodes luniger and 1 * Episyrphus balteatus.

A Hairy Yellow Face Bee (Hylaeus hyalinatus) was a delightful bonus - another first for the garden.

12th May 2022 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - Wandering homeward and a nosey in the orchard resulted in sightings of:- 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Dock Bugs (Coreus marginatus); 3 * Tortoise Bugs (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Fruit Fly (Chaetostomella cylindrica) and 3 * Nettle Pollen Beetles (Brachypterus glaber).

The gall (Phyllocoptes eupadi) was growing nearby.

9th May 2022 - Cheadle Heath Nomad, Stockport, G. Manchester - 2 hours spent digging and tidying up a patch at the side of the ground. Insects seen were:- 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 16 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lunata) and 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Singles of the following hoverflies were noted:- Xylota segnis ; Platycheirus albimanus; Melanostoma scalare; Epistrophe eligans and Eristlis pertinax.

Holly Blue; Small White and the Micro-Moth (Tachystola acroxantha) were added to the insect list.

The Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis) was pootling through the undergrowth.

The few birds knocking about were:- Mistle Thrush (*1); Starling (*1); Blackbird (*1); Robin (*1); Magpie (*4) and Wood Pigeon (*1).

Ox-Eye Daisy; Common Mouse Ear, Common Field Speedwell; Lesser Celandine; Ramsons; Red Campion; Garlic Mustard; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Wood Avens; Spanish Bluebell; Thale Cress; Shepherd's Purse; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Groundsel; Hawthorn and Sycamore were all sporting flowers.

8th May 2022 - Danes Moss, Macclesfield, Cheshire - A second location ofthe day, the flowers recorded here were:- Pignut; Chickweed; Bluebell; Cow Parsley; Red Campion; Wood Sorrel; Sycamore; Bilberry; Dandelion agg; Marsh Marigold; Wild Strawberry; Herb Robert; Bush Vetch; Ribwort Plantain; Colt's-Foot; Common Vetch; Broom; Black Medick; Meadow Buttercup; Daisy; Cuckooflower; Green Alkanet; Tormentil; Thale Cress; Red Clover; Gorse; Pendulous Sedge; Common Mouse Ear; Hairy Tare; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill and Creeping Buttercup.

1* Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa); 4 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax); 1 * Sexton Beetle (Nicrophorus vespillo); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 3 * Willow Leaf Beetle (Lochmaea caprea) and 1 * Dance Fly (Empis livida) were the few insects picked out.

Butterflies seen were:- Peacock (*1); Speckled Wood (*2); Brimstone (*3); Orange Tip (*4) and Small Heath (*1). The micro-moth (Grapholita lunulana) was seen in decent numbers.

Carrion Crow; Wren; Coot; Tufted Duck; Buzzard; Mallard; Lapwing and Pied Wagtail were added to our roamings as well as Hart's Tongue Thyme Moss (Plagiomnium undulatum); Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica); the gall (Neuroterus quercusbaccarum) and a White Lipped Banded Snail.

8th May 2022 - Lapwing Lane NR, Macclesfield, Cheshire - A catch up with a few friends and a lovely walk. Birds seen were:- Jackdaw; Canada Goose; Shelduck; Malllard; Coot; Great Crested Grebe; Greylag Goose; Tufted Duck; Cormorant; Magpie; Oystercatcher; Lapwing; Long Tailed Tit; Pheasant; Reed Bunting; Robin; Chiffchaff; Mute Swan; Little Grebe; Chaffinch; Swallow; Mistle Thrush and Blackcap.

Insects noted were:- 4 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); 1 * Yellow Dung Beetle (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus): 1 * Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 6 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 5 * Black and Red Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula) and 2 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus) 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis trigramma); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Click Beetle (Dalopius marginatus); 1 * Scavenger Beetle (Cartodere nodifer) plus plenty Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) and St Mark's Flys (Bibio marci). We also saw a Yellow Tail Moth larvae, a Nettle Tap Moth; Esperia sulphurella; Cauchas rufimitrella and a Ruby Tiger.

Galls noted were:- Eriophyes pyri; Eriophyes tiliae; Eriophyes leiosoma; Andricus kollari; Biorhiza pallida; Andricus lignicola and Epitrimerus trilobus.

Flowers in bloom were:- Cuckooflower; Yellow Pimpernel; Common Sorrel; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Greater Celandine; Red Campion; Bluebell; Greeping Buttercup; Garlic Mustard; Herb Robert; Three Nerved Sandwort; Common Mouse Ear; Rowan; Field Pansy; Lesser Trefoil; Dandelion agg; Field Madder; Rhododendron; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Changing Forget-Me-Not; Wall Speedwell; Hawthorn; Fringe Cups; Elder; Germander Speedwell; Scarlet Pimpernel; Primrose; Common Dog Violet; Ribwort Plantain; Greater Stitchwort; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Guelder Rose; Cow Parsley; Common Vetch; Goosegrass; Hogweed; Red Dead Nettle and Chickweed.

We also saw a Common Frog; a Smooth Newt, the Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis) and the Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

Glaucous Sedge was later identified.

7th May 2022 - Denton Town, Tameside - 3.5 hours digging in the sun prior to a footy game. Flowers in bloom were:-Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Wood Avens; Thale Cress; Hedge Mustard; Meadow Buttercup; Bush Vetch; Creeping Buttercup; Welsh Poppy; Dandelion agg; Shepherd's Purse; Common Mouse-Ear and Spanish Blue Bell.

Starling (*2); Carrion Crow (*1); Wood Pigeon (*2); Robin (*1); Jackdaw (*1); Blackbird (*1) and Magpie (*1) were the few birds seen.

3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and the Hoverflies:- Epistrophe eligans; Episyrphus balteatus; Platycheirus albimanus and Helophilus pendulus were the few insects seen.

Speckled Wood and Small White were the only butterfly species seen. We also saw a Nettle Tap Moth and a colony of Peacock larvae.

Grey Field Slug and Garden Snail were also noted.

2nd May 2022 - West Park/Woolston Eyes, Warrington, Cheshire - A good morning walk before some more Non-League football. Birds noted were:- House Sparrow (*1); Collared Dove (*2); Grey Heron (*1); Jay (*2); Swift (*3); Sand Martin (*2); Swallow (*1); Little Grebe (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Greylag Goose *2 + 4 young); Wren (*2); Starling (*14); Wood Pigeon (*6); Shelduck (*2); Blackbird (*5); Robin (*2); Mallard (*6); Moorhen (*4); Common Whitethroat (*5); Carrion Crow (*3); Linnet (*4); Song Thrush (*2); Reed Bunting (*1); Chiffchaff (*4); Gadwall (*2); Blackcap (*4); Cetti's Warbler (*1); Shoveler (*1); Mute Swan (*8); Magpie (*6); Blue Tit (*1); Black Headed Gull (*10); Great Tit (*2); Canada Goose (*11); Dunnock (*2); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Cormorant (*2); Willow Warbler (*1); Lapwing (*2); Coot (*27); Goldfinch (*14); Jackdaw (*2); Common Buzzard (*2) and Greenfinch (*1) plus Chaffinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker on call.

Blooms noted were:- Japanese Rose; Groundsel; Borage; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Field Maple; Horse Chestnut; Bird Cherry; Slender Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Spanish Bluebell; Cow Parsley; Dandelion agg; Creeping Buttercup; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Ground Ivy; Butterbur; Cuckooflower; Garlic Mustard; Broom; Hogweed; Gorse; Ribwort Plantain; Common Vetch; White Dead Nettle; Shining Crane's-Bill; Green Alkanet; Common Mouse Ear; Bird's Foot Trefoil; Black Medick; Herb Robert; Greater Celandine; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Dove's Foot Crane's-Bill; Common Field Speedwell and Rape.

4 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia punctata); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 10* Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 5 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis) and 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata) were the few insects seen on a cloudy day.

A Common Carpet Moth was also seen and a Drinker Moth larva.

1st May 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Even though it was a cloudy day the Hoverfles (Baccha elongata) and (Helophilus pendulus) pottered in the garden, An Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and a Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana) were also noted.

A Herald Moth was at rest in the bathroom.

1st May 2022 - Consall Valley RSPB, Staffordshire - Me and the missus met up with Ascomycete guru Peter Thompson and had a lovely walk and natter and spotted a few things along the way. Mosses listed were:- Hypnum cupressiforme; Kindbergia praelonga; Polytrichum formosum; Orthotrichum affine; Bryum capillare; Tortula muralis; Fissidens adianthoides; Fissidens taxifolius; Plagionmnium undulatum; Brachythecium rutabulum; Atrichum undulatum and the liverworts Frullania dilatata; Metzgeria furcata; Orthotrichum pulchellum and Metzgeria fruticulosa.

Nuthatch; Robin; Raven; Coal Tit; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Mallard; Pheasant and Blackcap.

In flower were:- Yellow Archangel; False Yellow Archangel; Red Campion; Wood Anemone; Wood Sorrel; Moschatel; Marsh Marigold; Dandelion agg; White Dead Nettle; Greater Tussock Sedge; Pendulous Sedge; Ribwort Plantain; Daisy; Large Bittercress; Greater Stitchwort; Garlic Mustard; Water Avens and Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage.

We also saw:- Plaited Door Snail; White Lipped Banded Snail; Variegated Centipede ane the Gall (Phyllocoptes goniothorax).

25th April 2022 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - A cycle and a saunter under cloudy skies. I was feeling shabby today - weak arms and legs again, it seems stress is my eternal escort and always lurking in the shadows to debilitate. I am working on chilling out, I am finding it hard. A few hoverflies were tucked away, these being:- Episyrphus balteatus (*1); Helophilus pendulus (*1); Melanostoma scalare (*8) and Eristalis pertinax (*2).

Large Bittercress was now in flower amongst a few others - I cycled home after a short jaunt, enough was enough today.

24th April 2022 - Woolston Park, Warrington, Cheshire - Leading a general relaxed and sun-kissed general wildlife walk was done in slow and steady style with a look at a bit of this, that and of course, t'other. The wind was effecting the bug life but Hoverflies picked out were:- Pipiza noctiluca (*1); Platycheirus albimanus (*2); Melanostoma scalare (*2); Eristalis pertinax (*3); Helophilus pendulus (*1); Myathropa florea (*1) and Epistrophe eligans (*2).

Butterflies recorded were:- Speckled Wood (*5); Orange Tip (*7); Holly Blue (*3); Peacock (*1); Small White (*2) and Green Veined White (*1).

Other insects listed were:- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); Common Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina); 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata); 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); Bee Fly (Bombylius major); Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quatuordecimguttata); Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum); Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); Fruitworm Beetle (Byturus ochraceus); Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia).

Blooms discussed were:- Garlic Mustard; Daisy; Cuckooflower; Groundsel; Dandelion agg; Hawthorn; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Slender Speedwell; Germander Speedwell; Common Field Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Cow Parsley; Lesser Celandine; Bush Vetch; Common Comfrey; Lilac; Bird Cherry; Marsh Marigold; Creeping Buttercup; Rape; Herb Robert; Hedge Mustard; Common Mouse Ear; Green Alkanet; White Dead Nettle and Cowslip.

Also seen were a Rabbit, a Frog, Large Yellow Slug; Budapest Slug; Shiny Woodlouse; Garden Snail and a few birds, these being:- Robin; Magpie; Wren; Grey Heron; Blackbird and Mistle Thrush.

Several galls discussed were:- Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Phyllocoptes eupadi and Phyllocoptes goniothorax.

22nd April 2022 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - 2 Mistle Thrushes were seen feeding their young in the nest and Cuckooflower had popped up on the lawn outside work.

Further along and 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 1​* Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 4 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) and 2  Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) plus the Hoverflies:- Meligramma triangulifera (*1); Epistrophe eligans (​3) and Eristalis pertinax (​1).

Field Maple and Thyme Leaved Speedwell were in flower and a Holly Blue and a Speckled Wood said 'hi'.  The latter butterfly is my favourite butterfly species and it was mighty fitting that this species was my 100, 000th input record on relevant National Databases.  It has been a long haul but worth the effort - it is what all naturalists should do.

21st April 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick check on a pond area and a cycle home with 1 male and 2 female Mallards seen with 11 young following one of the lasses. A coot and a Canada Goose watched on and a Common Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina) and 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata) soaked up the rays.

Singles of Comma; Orange Tip; Holly Blue and Small White were noted along with 2 hoverflies, these being:- Melanostoma scalare and Epistrophe eligans.

Sessile Oak; Pendulous Sedge; Rowan and Horse Chestnut were in flower.

The sexual stage of Neuroterus quercusbaccarum was also seen.

18th April 2022 - Torrs Riverside Park and trail, New Mills, Derbyshire - A morning walk with a cafe break, a visit to a book shop and some Non-League Football to finish. Birds seen (without binoculars) were:- Mallard (*1); Canada Goose (*6); Dunnock (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Mistle Thrush (*2); Great Tit (*1); Treecreeper (*2); Chiffchaff (*1); Blackcap (*1); Robin (*4); Blackbird (*4); Blue Tit (*1); Jackdaw (*3); Wren (*4) and Wood Pigeon (*1).

Insects noted were:- 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Peacock (Aglais urticae); 2 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Springtail (Orchesella cincta); 10 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 4 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Flowers in bloom were:- Thale Cress; Herb Robert; Lungwort; False Yellow Archangel; Wood Sorrel; Sweet Ciceley; Blackthorn; Pink Purslane; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Ribwort Plantain; Hawthorn; Primrose; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Lesser Celandine; Cuckooflower; Butterbur; Garlic Mustard and Shining Crane's-Bill.

We also added the gall:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax plus a Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) and a White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) as well as Field Horsetail and Wall Rue.

15th April 2021 - Astley and Chat Mosses, Irlam, G. Manchester - Up early and a good wander had. The birds seen were:- Linnet (*10); Blackcap (*3); Blue Tit (*6); Song Thrush (*3); Blackbird (*29); Wood Pigeon (*28); Wren (*11); Magpie (*7); Pied Wagtail (*9); Goldfinch (*18); Pheasant (*3); Dunnock (*4); Carrion Crow (*11); Robin (*6); House Sparrow (*4); Chaffinch (*8); Lapwing (*66); Mistle Thrush (*2); Collared Dove (*4); Starling (*5); Kestrel (*1); Greenfinch (*1); Meadow Pipit (*5); Wheatear (*5); Grey Heron (*2); Sand Martin (*5); Common Buzzard (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*2); Stock Dove (*2); Skylark (*4); Tufted Duck (*2); Gadwall (*2); Cormorant (*2); Curlew (*1); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*10); Canada Goose (*72); Oystercatcher (*6); Black Headed Gull (*26); Reed Bunting (*2); Willow Warbler (*12); Yellowhammer (*2); Mallard (*14); Jay (*3) and Moorhen (*2).

Peacock (*6); Green Veined White (*1); Comma (*1); Orange Tip (*4); Brimstone (*1) and Small Tortoiseshell (*4) were the butterflies noted.

The few other insects seen were:- 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) and 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

Chickweed; Thale Cress; Primrose; Greater Periwinkle; Cow Parsley; Dandelion agg; Garlic Mustard; Red Dead Nettle; Ground Ivy; Rape; White Dead Nettle; Colt's-Foot; Lesser Celandine and Common Field Speedwell were a few flowers considered.

1 Brown Hare was also seen.

14th April 2022 - Styal CP, Cheshire - A walk with the Young Carers from work. A Great Spotted Woodpecker; Goosander; Buzzard; Chiffchaff and Wren were the birds seen along with Garlic Mustard and Primroses in flower and 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird; 2 * Brimstone; 1 * Orange Tip and 1 * Comma.

Many regular bugs and gastropods were found too and we nibbled a few edible leaves.

13th April 2022 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick laze in the sunny garden, a Holly Blue and male Orange Tip were delightful companions along with the hoverflies:- Eristalis pertinax (*1) and Melanostoma scalare (*2). a 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and a 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata) were soaking up the rays too along with 2 examples of the Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

Garlic Mustard was now in flower.

13th April 2022 - Heaton Mersey/River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking home and the years first Holly Blue was beautiful along with a nearby Comma. 2 pairs of Goosander were on the river and the colony of Ashy Mining Bees (Andrena cineraria) were represented by 35+ individuals. 2 Common Green Shieldbugs (Palomena prasina) were indulging in a bit of hanky-panky, a Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) fizzed by, a lone Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) was enjoying the Dandelion explosions and 9 Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) were lazing in the sun.

Spotted Dead Nettle was in flower.

10th April 2022 - Croxall Lakes, Staffordshire - A final walk of the day at a very quiet area. Bird life was made up of:- Canada Goose; Chiffchaff; Blackcap; Shoveler; Oystercatcher; Black Headed Gull; Carrion Crow; Rook; Great Tit; Greylag Goose; Mute Swan; Grey Heron; Cormorant; Long Tailed Tit; Goosander; Blackbird; Starling; Kestrel; Magpie; Blue Tit; Coot; Great Crested Grebe; Mallard and Robin.

Blooms noted were:- Cuckooflower; Wood Avens; Garlic Mustard; Chickweed; Daisy; Cowslip; Common Whitlow Grass; Common Field Speedwell; Red Dead Nettle; White Dead Nettle; Ground Ivy; Dandelion agg and Lesser Celandine.

1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 3 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee; 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Daffodil Fly (Norellia spinipes) and 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) were the only insects seen on a cooling day.

A Grey Squirrel was the final addition to the list.

10th April 2022 - Middleton Lakes RSPB, Staffordshire - A lovely trip out looking at the birds and even thoughI was idle today and couldn't be arsed to lug the telescope we did compile a decent list:- Long Tailed Tit; Blue Tit; Stock Dove; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Great Tit; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Carrion Crow; Robin; Wren; Rook; Coot; Greylag Goose; Nuthatch; Dunnock; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; Grey Heron; Moorhen; Egyptian Goose; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Canada Goose; Reed Bunting; Shoveler; Cormorant; Gadwall; Cetti's Warbler; Shelduck; Carrion Crow; Mute Swan; Lapwing; Pheasant; Teal; Little Egret; Redshank; Greenfinch; Blackcap; Avocet; Spotted Redshank; Whimbrel; Goldcrest; Jackdaw; Song Thrush; Bullfinch; Magpie; Jay; Buzzard; Chiffchaff; Goldfinch and Chaffinch plus Bittern; Green Woodpecker; Sedge Warbler on call.

Flowers in bloom were:- Common Dog Violet; Flowering Currant; Blackthorn; Chickweed; Thale Cress; Primrose; Garlic Mustard; Broom; Colt's-Foot; Hairy Bittercress; Common Field Speedwell; Daisy; Rape; Red Campion; Green Alkanet; Red Dead Nettle; Cowslip; Gorse; Dandelion agg; Lesser Celandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Moschatel; White Dead Nettle; Bluebell; Greater Stitchwort; Dog's Mercury and Ground Ivy.

Butterflies noted were:- Small Tortoiseshell (*9); Orange Tip (*9); Comma (*1); Brimstone (*1) and Green Veined White (*1).

Other insects seen were:- 1 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) and 1 * Gorse Seen Weevil (Exapion ulicis)

We also added to the day's tally:- a Shiny Woodlouse and a Brown Rat.

9th April 2022 - Denton Town FC, Tameside - With my missus and mate Claire a good morn was had tidying the nature area, chatting and enjoying the sun. Apple trees were planted along with Lemon Balm, Red Campion and a Bay Tree - tis all good stuff. The game afterwards ended in a 5-5 draw and during the day I saw a few bugs:- 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) and 1 * Springtail (Entomobrya nicoleti).

Grey Field Slug; Brown Lipped Banded Snail; Budapest Slug; Sycamore in flower and 2 Jays were also seen.

8th April 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking home from work and a male Brimstone was utterly beautiful, Great Wood Rush was in flower, 2 specimens of the Hoverfly (Cheilosia pagana) were on Lesser Celandine flowers and 12 Ashy Mining Bees (Andrena cineraria) were basking in the tepid sun. The Hoverfly (Platycheirus scutatus agg) was later confirmed after pictures were taken of the legs and discussions were had online).

6th April 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A Sparrowhawk was joined by a female Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); a Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); an Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 36 Pot Bellied Emerald Beetles (Gastrophysa viridula). The Springtail (Entomobrya nicoleti) was also seen.

4th April 2021 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - 4 specimens of the Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis) were noted today whilst looking for fungi plus:- 2 * Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum); 1 * Ground Beetle (Anchomenus dorsalis); 2 * Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg); 1* Slippery Snail (Cochlicopa lubrica); 1 * Plaited Door Snail (Cochlodina laminata); 1 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 2 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 1 * Grey Field Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and 2 * Springtail (Dicyrtomina saundersi).

The few bird species noted were:- Greenfinch; Chaffinch; Grey Wagtail; Song Thrush; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Mallard; Wren; Great Tit; Blackbird; Canada Goose; Moorhen; Carrion Crow; Chiffchaff; Ring Necked Parakeet and Robin.

Barren Strawberry; False Yellow Archangel; Marsh Marigold; Herb Robert; Skunk Cabbage; Colt's Foot; Butterbur; Ground Ivy and Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage were all in flower.

2nd April 2021 - Higher Folds, Atherton, G. Manchester - Prior to some Non-League footy me and the good lady had a walk. The few birds seen were before and during the game were:- Wren (*2); Wood Pigeon (*2); Mistle Thrush (*1); Great Tit (*1); Magpie (*3); Black Headed Gull (*1); Dunnock (*1) and Blackbird (*1).

Honesty; Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg; Daisy; Slender Speedwell; Groundsel and Colt's-Foot were in flower and we also saw a Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 5 examples of the Ground Beetle (Anchomenus dorsalis).

31st March 2022 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk in the dinner break and Shining Crane's-Bill; Dandelion agg; Red Dead Nettle; Chickweed; Thale Cress; Shepherd's Purse; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Herb Robert; Green Alkanet; Daisy and Field Woodrush were all in flower.

Only 1 Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus) was seen.

27th March 2022 - Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire - A yomp around this almost people-free area with a decent bird-list compiled in a few hours. Species seen were:- Moorhen; Magpie; Brambling; Greylag Goose; Greenfinch; Teal; Rook; Dunnock; Great Tit; Jay; Long Tailed Tit; Kestrel; Chiffchaff; Red Legged Partridge; Cormorant; Common Gull; Carrion Crow; Little Egret; Shelduck; Redshank; Black Tailed Godwit; Lapwing; Coot; Goldeneye; Black Headed Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Buzzard; Dunnock; Green Woodpecker; Cetti's Warbler; Pochard; Grey Heron; Wigeon; Mute Swan; Tufted Duck; Gadwall; Reed Bunting; Smew; Wren; Robin; Mallard; Chaffinch; Pheasant; Stock Dove; Pied Wagtail; Blue Tit; House Sparrow; Whooper Swan; Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; Blackbird and Collared Dove plus Skylark on call.

Dandelion agg; Hedge Mustard; White Dead Nettle; Silver Birch; Lesser Celandine and Ground Ivy were in flower and a Grass Snake; Muntjac Deer, 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and Small Tortoisehell (Aglais urticae) were added to the day's sightings.

26th March 2022 - Great Yarmouth, Norfolk - A good breakfast, a delicious ice cream; a walk around the shops,along the front and on the beach and a small list of species was seen. 31 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis meliifera) and 26 * Magpie Moth larvae (Abraxas grossulariata).

Alexanders; Daisy; Sea Mayweed; Oxford Ragwort; Shepherd's Purse; Red Dead Nettle and Lesser Celandine were all in flower.

The few birds picked out were:- Herring Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Dunnock; Feral Pigeon; Starling; House Sparrow; Goldfinch; Collared Dove; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Mute Swan; Black Headed Gull; Jackdaw; Blackbird and Skylark.

25th March 2022 - Kelling Heath, Norfolk - After a lengthy wander at our previous destination it was nice to chill at some heathland and get more steps in and see a few birds. Species that pleased the peepers were:- Ring Ouzel; Pheasant; Bullfinch; Buzzard; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon; Linnet; Rook; Red Legged Partridge; Blackbird; Red Kite; Yellowhammer; Chaffinch; Stonechat; Wood Lark and Dartford Warbler.

1 * Roe Deer; 1 * Common Lizard; 8 * Muntjac Deer plus Moschatel; Shepherd's Purse; Wood Sorrel; Alexanders and Ground Ivy in flower were also added.

1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Cliff Mining Bee (Andrena thoracica) were also added to a small but tidy tally.

25th March 2022 - Cley Marshes NWT, Norfolk - A cream tea, a walk in dazzling sun and a decent bird list had:- Marsh Harrier; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Dunnock; Goldfinch; Avocet; Shoveler; Lapwing; Grey Heron; Greylag Goose; Black Headed Gull; Redshank; Carrion Crow; Shelduck; Black Tailed Godwit; Starling; Reed Bunting; Little Egret; Gadwall; Garganey; Coot; Wigeon; Little Grebe; Ruff; Oystercatcher; Pied Wagtail; House Sparrow; Canada Goose; Teal; Meadow Pipit; Common Snipe; Curlew; Dunlin; Ringed Plover; Golden Plover; Dark Bellied Brent Goose; Meditteranean Gull; Pintail; Red Breasted Goose; Stonechat; Mallard; Jackdaw; Rook; Moorhen; Wren and Mute Swan.

Alexanders; Daisy; Red Dead Nettle and Colt's-Foot were in flower and we also saw a Stoat; 2 copulating Common Toads and several insects, these being:- 8 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 2 * Peacock (Aglais io) 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

24th March 2022 - Milton CP, Cambridgeshire - After a fine lunch in Godmanchester at The Grand Piano Cafe we had another walk at a new area and took in the sights, sounds and tranquility. Birds seen were:- Mute Swan (*2); Coot (*3); Magpie (*8); Chiffchaff (*5); Great Tit (*8); Robin (*4); Wood Pigeon (*7); Great Crested Grebe (*1); Carrion Crow (*3); Blue Tit (*2); Blackbird (*4); Dunnock (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Moorhen (*1); Greylag Goose (*4); Stock Dove (*9); Blackcap (*1); Black Headed Gull (*1) plus a good supply of Mallards.

Germander Speedwell; Daisy; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; White Dead Nettle; Ground Ivy; Green Alkanet; Mahonia and Groundsel were in flower.

2 butterfly species seen were:- Comma (*2) and Peacock (*3).

Other bugs picked out were:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 12 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major) and 2 * Pied Shieldbug (Tritomegas bicolor).

A Grey Squirrel was also noted, no doubt up to no good the shifty blighter.

24th March 2022 - Hinchingbrooke CP, Huntingdon - An early morning walk after a lengthy drive. The legs were stretched after a good cuppa and the birds seen were:- Carrion Crow (*1); Wood Pigeon (*2); Magpie (*4); Grey Heron (*1); Blackbird (*1); Mallard (*8); Moorhen (*2); Great Crested Grebe (*10); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Black Headed Gull (*2); Common Gull (*1); Canada Goose (*2); Robin (*4); Mute Swan (*3); Stock Dove (*4); Jackdaw (*9); Chiffchaff (*1); Great Tit (*4); Great Spotted Woodpecker (*1); Green Woodpecker (*1); Rook (*16); Nuthatch (*1) and Blue Tit (*1).

Lesser Celandine; White Dead Nettle; Dandelion agg; Ground Ivy; Common Dog Violet; Wood Anemone; Dog's Mercury; Daisy and Common Whitlowgrass were all in flower.

Small Tortoiseshell (*1): Brimstone (*1); Peacock (*3) and Comma (*1) were the butterflies on the wing and we also saw 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 3 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major) and 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae).

21st March 2022 - Cheadle Heath Nomads, Stockport, G. Manchester - 3 hours digging and then some weeding. Whilst pottering I noted:- 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Gwynne's Mining Bee (Andrena bicolor); 1 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Magpie (*2); Buzzard (*3); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*4); Carrion Crow (*2); Blackbird (*1) and Wood Pigeon (*3) were the few birds seen along with a Fox and Hairy Bittercress; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Grape Hyacinth; Red Dead Nettle; Oxford Ragwort; Common Field Speedwell and Groundsel all in flower.

20th March 2022 - Ainsdale Sands Lake, Lancashire - A final walk and a chill on the dunes having a much needed cuppa and sandwich. A few birds spied were:- Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Mute Swan; Blue Tit; Robin; Carrion Crow; Goldfinch; Moorhen; Coot; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Mallard; Tufted Duck and Black Headed Gull.

Alexanders and Colt's-Foot were in flower and 2 Yellow Dung Flies (Scathophaga stercoraria) were sat atop the former plant. Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica) was also added as well as Sea Spurge and the Springtail (Orchesella cincta).

20th March 2022 - Southport Marine Lake, Lancashire - An ice cream with sprinkles and a flake and a good walk around the lake. There was quite a rare grass I wanted to see and after a short pootle we spied several patches of the quite lovely Early Sand Grass (Mibora minima).

Birds spotted were:- Numerous Coots; Mute Swans and Black Headed Gulls with Lesser Black Backed Gull; Jackdaw; Cormorant; Mallard; Feral Pigeon; Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Wood Pigeon; Herring Gull; Moorhen; Blackbird; and Pied Wagtail the support cast.

Flowers in bloom were:- Oxford Ragwort; Shepherd's Purse; Groundsel; Lesser Celandine; Gorse; Dandelion agg; Daisy; Colt's-Foot; Common Whitlowgrass and Danish Scurcygrass

20th March 2022 - Haslam Park and NR, Preston, Lancashire - A lovely stroll in yet more decent weather. Birds seen were:- Goldcrest (*2); Great Tit (*1); Magpie (*9); Blackbird (*4); Carrion Crow (*1); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Jackdaw (*2); Wood Pigeon (*10); Mistle Thrush (*1); Mute Swan (*1); Robin (*3); Great Spotted Woodpecker (*1); House Sparrow (*1); Kestrel (*2); Chiffchaff (*2); Blue Tit (*3); Chaffinch (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*2); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Grey Wagtail (*1); Song Thrush (*2); Nuthatch (*3); Greenfinch (*5); Wren (*2); Kingfisher (*1); Moorhen (*2) plus ooodles of Black Headed Gulls and Mallards on the main pond.

Peacock (*1); Comma (*2) and Small Tortoiseshell (*4) were the few butterflies seen.

Blackthorn was in flower; Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica) was looking splendid; the Crescent Cup Liverwort (Lunularia cruciata) was covering some damp, well-trampled soil and a few Wood Anemones sought solar goodness.

We also saw a single Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax).

20th March 2022 - Roach Bridge, Lancashire - A Belted Kingfisher had been around for a while and it was at a place we hadn't discovered. We arrived, started off on the footpath and were asked for £10 each by a farmner charging folk to go on his land. Principles are to be stuck by and this was a sincere incident of exploitation I felt, we refused and had a fine circular walk instead - it was a solid and correct option for us and by heck we enjoyed the walk. Along the way the bird species spotted were:- Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; Dunnock; Blackbird; Blue Tit; Robin; Curlew; Pheasant; Jackdaw; House Sparrow; Great Tit; Starling; Chiffchaff; Chaffinch; Magpie; Collared Dove; Black Headed Gull; Pied Wagtail; Long Tailed Tit; Kestrel and Wren.

Primrose was seen in flower and a couple of 7-Spot Ladybirds (Coccinella septempuncata) were enjoying the early sun.

17th March 2022 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - A half dozen examples of the Springtail (Entomobrya albocincta) were seen below the bark of a Lime Tree as well as several examples of the Debris Bug (Lyctocoris campestris).

13th March 2022 - Blake Mere to Colemere via Shropshire Union Canal, Ellesmere, Shropshire - A good final stretch of the shanks with birds now quiet, we did see though:- Great Crested Grebe (*1); Jackdaw (*30); Goosander (*2); Mallard (*7); Magpie (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Pheasant (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1); Nuthatch (*1); Buzzard (*2) and Goldcrest (*2).

Barren Strawberry; Colt's-Foot and Cow Parsley were in flower and we did see a Leopard Slug too.

13th March 2022 - Danson's Wood, Whitchurch, Shropshire - A small wooded area that was dappled in sunshine and accommodating to our mooching ways. Along with a few fungi we saw:- Blackbird (*2); Moorhen (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1); Wren (*1); Redwing (*5); Jackdaw (*1); Siskin (*5); Blue Tit (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Goldcrest (*2); Jay (*2); Mistle Thrush (*2); Robin (*2) and Chaffinch (*1).

Gorse; Lesser Celandine, Capillary Thread Moss (Bryum capillare) and the Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum) were also seen.

13th March 2022 - Whitchurch Waterways CP, Shropshire - A walk in the rain and wind with the sun eventually making an appearance. Birds seen were:- Magpie (*1); Starling (*5); Blackbird (*4); Wood Pigeon (*3); Chaffinch (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); House Sparrow (*3); Dunnock (*2); Mallard (*2); Wren (*1); Blue Tit (*2); Jackdaw (*9); Great Tit (*2); Song Thrush (*1); Goldfinch (*1) and Grey Wagtail (*1).

Moschatel; Dog's Mercury; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Red Dead Nettle; Spotted Dead Nettle and Daisy were in flower.

11th March 2022 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short outing, bird's seen were:- Goldcrest; Coal Tit; Carrion Crow; Blue Tit; Moorhen; Wood Pigeon; Sparrowhawk; Long Tailed Tit; Blackbird; Feral Pigeon; Mistle Thrush; Goldfinch; Song Thrush; Magpie; Nuthatch; Dunnock; Chaffinch; Mallard; Canada Goose; Black Headed Gull; Coot and Grey Wagtail.

1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * Ground Beetle (Anchomenus dorsalis); 1 * Ground Bug (Drymus sylvaticus) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) were the few bugs seen.

Wood Avens was is flower and one pond was getting covered by the pesky Azolla filiculoides.

10th March 2022 - Ladybrook Valley Cycleway, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short cycle out to keep the bllod flowing. A few birds were noted, these being:- Nuthatch (*1); Wren (*1); Coal Tit (*1); Robin (*3); Song Thrush (*1); Magpie (*13); Goldfinch (*4); Long Tailed Tit (*6); Great Tit (*2); Blackbird (*3) and Wood Pigeon (*14).

I also saw oodles of Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni), a Grey Field Slug (Deroceras reticulatum), a Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) and a Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum).

Sweet Violet and Ivy Leaved Speedwell were in flower.

7th March 2022 - Cheadle Heath Nomads, Stockport, G. Manchester - 90 minutes digging, 5 laps jogging around the pitch followed by a walk and a cycle. Whilst potter I noted the following birds:- Mistle Thrush (*2); Redwing (*8); Magpie (*1); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*2); Black Headed Gull (*1); Starling (*16); Collared Dove (*2); Canada Goose (*2); Great Tit (*1); and Carrion Crow (*1).

Lesser Celandine was now in flower and when walking nearby Ivy Leaved Toadflax was seen in flower too.

6th March 2022 - Rode Hall, Rode Heath, Cheshire - The second spot of the day and a leisurely pootle around the gardens, woodland and open fields after. course, a pop in the cafe. Birds listed today were:- Wren (*1); Greenfinch (*1); Pheasant (*5); Wood Pigeon (*1); Blue Tit (*1); Great Crested Grebe (*2); Shoveler (*5); Jay (*1); Jackdaw (*17); Mallard (*2); Egyptian Goose (*1); Grey Heron (*4); Moorhen (*1); Goosander (*3); Canada Goose (*20); Great White Egret (*1); Cormorant (*3); Coot (*1); Blackbird (*1); Raven (*1); Redwing (*5) and Robin (*2).

Capillary Thread Moss (Bryum capillare) was in good condition and Colt's-Foot; Daisy; Red Dead Nettle; Groundsel and Dandelion agg were in flower.

Skunk Cabbage was bursting through some damp soil and we also saw:- Leopard Slug; Large Yellow Slug agg; White Legged Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Shiny Woodlouse; Rough Woodlouse; Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); the Snail Hunter Beetle (Cychrus caraboides) and the Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus).

2 other Beetles were keyed out after being pointed in the right direction, these were:- Vincenzellus ruficollis and Nebria brevicollis.

6th March 2022 - Merelake Way, Alsager, Cheshire - The 930th location in the UK where we have recorded nature at, this was a pleasant early morning walk with a few birds seen, these being:- Reed Bunting (*1); Blue Tit (*9); Robin (*9); Starling (*2); Collared Dove (*1); Magpie (*2); Greenfinch (*2); Wood Pigeon (*3); Blackbird (*6); Coal Tit (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Wren (*2); Carrion Crow (*3); Jay (*2); House Sparrow (*2); Dunnock (*2); Jackdaw (*16); Goldcrest (*1); Cormorant (*1); Grey Heron (*1); Great Tit (*1); Mallard (*2); Lesser Redpoll (*5); Goldfinch (*15); Yellowhammer (*1); Grey Wagtail (*1); Buzzard (*1) and Nuthatch (*1).

Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Colt's-Foot; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage and Dog's Mercury were all in flower.

5th March 2022 - Styal, Cheshire - A pop in a cafe for homemade soup,a pootle in a garden centre, a walk on the edges of the local park and then to Non-League football, birds seen were:- Robin (*1); Magpie (*3); Carrion Crow (*1); Jackdaw (*3); Buzzard (*1); Starling (*20); Wood Pigeon (*2); Blue Tit (*1); House Sparrow (*4); Long Tailed Tit (*5); Goldfinch (*1); Great Tit (*1) and Blackbird (*3).

I also saw 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 5 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae).

Blackthorn was is nice flower.

28th February 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Pineappleweed and Common Field Speedwell were in flower and I also spotted 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Grey Field Slugs (Deroceras reticulatum) and several Flat-Worms (Kontikia ventrolineata).

After careful photographs, online discussions and microscopy I added the Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis) and the Ground Beetle (Paranchus albipes).

28th February 2022 - Didsbury Golf Course, G. Manchester - A walk, a run, a cycle and a quick pootle. Birds seen were:- Chaffinch (*1); Ringed Neck Parakeet (*3); Wood Pigeon (*2); Mistle Thrush (*1); Great Tit (*5); Redwing (*10); Cormorant (*1); Great Spotted Woodpecker (*2); Magpie (*4); Mallard (*1); Treecreeper (*1); Blackbird (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Greenfinch (*1) and Black Headed Gull (*5).

Colt's-Foot and Common Mouse Ear were in flower and I saw a single Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

White-Tipped Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum diaphanum) was seen on a Silver Birch trunk.

27th February 2022 - Kingston Pool Covert NR, Staffordshire - A walk in more sun at this small reserve. The few birds seen were:- Magpie; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Dunnock; Black Headed Gull; Blue Tit; Jackdaw; Robin and Wren.

Another Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) was seen too.

Snowdrop; Daisy; Groundsel; Lesser Celandine and Dandelion agg were in flower.

27th February 2022 - Shugborough NT, Staffordshire - A fine walk interrupted by a visit to a secondhand bookshop and tea and cake in the wonderful sunshine. Birds seen were:- Jackdaw; Carrion Crow Crow; Magpie; Jay; Rook; Mallard; Treecreeper; Blue Tit; Goldfinch; Chaffinch; Pied Wagtail; Robin; Kingfisher; Wood Pigeon; Mute Swan; Canada Goose; Little Egret; Long Tailed Tit; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Wren; Great Tit; Kestrel; Sparrowhawk; Goosander; Buzzard; Grey Heron; Tufted Duck; Little Grebe; Coot and Redwing + Goldcrest and Coal Tit on call.

1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis meliifera); 24 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scahthophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) were the few insects seen.

26th February 2022 - Victoria Park area, Warrington, Cheshire - A pre-footy walk in fine conditions. Birds seen were:- Canada Goose; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Coot; Great Tit; Starling; Long Tailed Tit; Collared Dove; Blackbird; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Feral Pigeon; Cormorant; Bullfinch; Goldfinch; Magpie; Mistle Thrush; Greenfinch; Mute Swan; Mallard and Moorhen.

Red Dead Nettle; Blackthorn; Daisy; Chickweed; Shepherd's Purse and Butterbur were all seen in flower.

A single Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax) was also picked out.

25th February 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early finish from work and a walk home in the sun. 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristlis tenax) were seen along with a Bumblebee that avoided a full on ID.

Elegant Bristle Moss (Othotrichum pulchellum) was seen on the branches of Salix sp and a Ring Necked Parakeet; Goosander; Carrion Crow and 2 Great Tits were also noted.

23rd February 2022 - Bruntwood Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - An Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) was spied along with 2 Variegated Centipedes (Lithobius variegatus) and 2 examples of the Beetle (Anchomenus dorsalis). Later identified was the Field Damsel Bug (Nabis ferus).

The few birds seen without the use of binoculars were:- Blackbird; Nuthatch; Wood Pigeon; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Collared Dove; Dunnock; House Sparrow; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Long Tailed Tit; Wren; Mandarin Duck; Mallard; Moorhen and Canada Goose.

I also saw a Brown Rat - it was a whopper and White Tipped Bristole-Moss (Orthotrichum diaphanum).

21st February 2022 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - Some running and cycling in horrid weather - I was a trifle crummy come the end of the outing but I did see along the way:- Great Tit; Treecreeper; Robin; Moorhen and Mandarin Duck plus an Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and a Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia).

I also identified the lichen (Physcia adscendens) and the moss (Orthotrichum tenellum).

The Springtail (Willowsia platani) and (Entomobrya nicoleti) plus the Grey Field Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) were also added after on-line confirmations.

20th February 2022 - Bramhall Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk in the rain with the missus. We had a brew and saw a few birds along the way, these were:- Coot (*2); Treecreeper (*2); Siskin (*15+); Moorhen (*3); Canada Goose (*4); Mallard (*20+); Mandarin Duck (*7); Magpie (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Blackbird (*1); Robin (*1) and Carrion Crow (*1);

We also saw 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Harlequion Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 10 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia).

Daisy; Lesser Celandine and Abraham-Isaac-Jacob (Trachystemon orientalis) were now in flower.

The mosses (Dicranoweisia cirrata) and (Orthotrichum affine) were keyed out later in the day.

16th February 2022 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short wander with my mate Ant and a few fungi were found as well as a few other species. The few birds I noted were:- Wood Pigeon (*2); Great Tit (*2); Teal (*2); Ringed Neck Parakeet (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Goldcrest (*1) and Dunnock (*1);

Large Yellow Slug agg (*1); and Leopard Slug (*2) were joined under rotted wood by a hibernating Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 2 Harvestmen (Nemastoma bimaculatum).

Lesser Celandine and Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage were now in flower.

Elegant Bristle-Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum) was also added to the findings.

Also added after confirmation were:- Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) and the Springtail (Entomobrya nicoleti)

30th January 2022 - Appleton Moss area, Warrington , Cheshire - Country lanes and open fields away from people and just doing out thing. Birds seen were:- Grey Heron (*2); Greenfinch (*2); Chaffinch (*9); Dunnock (*3); Blackbird (*6); Moorhen (*4); Jackdaw (*13); Mallard (*21); Robin (*7); Blue Tit (*13); Wood Pigeon (*46); Song Thrush (*5); Goldcrest (*1); Magpie (*4); Common Buzzard (*3); Carrion Crow (*1); Wren (*3); Stock Dove (*5); Long Tailed Tit (*4); Starling (*8); Redwing (*6); Mistle Thrush (*4); Great Tit (*5); Pied Wagtail (*3); Yellowhammer (*5); Fieldfare (*1); Black Headed Gull (*13); Grey Wagtail (*1); Kestrel (*2); Collared Dove (*1); House Sparrow (*3) and Nuthatch (*1).

We also saw a Grey Squirrel and a Rabbit.

29th January 2022 - Peel Park, Salford, G. Manchester - A morning wander whilst the car was in for its MOT. Birds seen were:- Black Headed Gull (*149); Redwing (*22); Goosander (*4); Cormorant (*2); Mallard (*30); Canada Goose (*103); Wood Pigeon (*8); Feral Pigeon (*14); Magpie (*3); Starling (*9); Pied Wagtail (*1); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*2); Grey Wagtail (*1); Carrion Crow (*5); Goldfinch (*6); Blue Tit (*1); Chaffinch (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*6) and Blackbird (*1).

20 * Large Yellow Slug agg and 5 * Garden Snail were also noted.

24th January 2022 - Sale WP, G. Manchester - A walk with a good mate and a look at some fungi, I noted a few birds along the way:- Great Spotted Woodpecker; Robin; Ring Necked Parakeets; Blue Tit; Goosander; Teal; Pochard; Tufted Duck; Coot; Black Headed Gull; Gadwall; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Common Gull; Lesser Black Headed Gull; Cormorant; Moorhen; Song Thrush; Blackbird; Wren; Goldcrest; Dunnock; Coal Tit; Willow Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Jay and Nuthatch.

3 galls seen were:- Andricus kollari; Andricus lignicola and Agathomyia wankowiczii.

Kindbergia praelonga was the only moss identified.

Several Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) were seen under logs along with several White Legged Millipedes (Tachypodoiulus niger).

16th January 2022 - Arnfield Reservoir/Swallows Wood, Derbyshire - A couple of new places with a good walk had prior to a 4 band gig and a delicioous breakfast scoffed overlooking the reservoir. Birds seen were:- Dipper (*1); Collared Dove (*1); Robin (*3); Wren (*1); Moorhen (*1); Magpie (*2); Pheasant (*7); Long Tailed Tit (*5); Song Thrush (*1); Mallard (*19); Great Tit (*2); Coal Tit (*1); Goldfinch (*5); Carrion Crow (*1); Blue Tit (*5); Dunnock (*1); Jackdaw (*6); Wood Pigeon (*2); Chaffinch (*5) and Starling (*4).

A few mosses and lichens noted noted were:- Grimmia pulvinata; Bryum capillare; Tortula muralis; Campylopus introflexus; Ulota crispa; Kindbergia praelonga; Cladonia rangiferina; Xanthoria parietina; Evernia prunastri and Cladonia coniocraea.

9th January 2022 - Carsington Water, Derbyshire - I have lost my mojo of late, the weather, numerous distractions, the virus-obsessed world and a recent cold have all assisted in getting me down. Me and the good lady forced the issue today and had a good walk with a bit of time taken to look at the bird life, the species seen were:- Robin; House Sparrow; Blue Tit; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Coot; Mallard; Cormorant; Redshank; Lapwing; Magpie; Little Grebe; Canada Goose; Tufted Duck; Great Crested Grebe; Wren; Dunnock; Teal; Mute Swan; Chaffinch; Great Northern Diver; Greylag Goose; Moorhen; Pied Wagtail; Gadwall; Barnacle Goose; Black Headed Gull; Long Tailed Tit; Great Tit; Nuthatch; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Tree Sparrow; Goldcrest; Jackdaw; Raven; Redwing; Mistle Thrush; Treecreeper; Common Gull; Wood Pigeon; Siskin; Coal Tit; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Willow Tit; Reed Bunting; Collared Dove and Great Black Backed Gull.

On many fenceposts I found growing the Grey Cushion Moss (Grimmia pulvinata) - it is a lovely thing. Also found was the White-Tipped Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum diaphanum).

Whilst checking the mosses I found a Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum)

4th January 2022 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A Dipper sang merrily away; a Cormorant darted through the icy air and a few Long Tailed Tits pootled in the trees. Hart's Tongue Fern was looking jaded and a Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) sun-bathed in the smallest patch of light.

Red Clover; Ox-Eye Daisy and Common Gorse were defiantly holding the odd flower aloft.

4th January 2022 - Woodbank Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early morning fungus mooch bore 34 species. I also noted a Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); a Grey Squirrel; a Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg) and the Ash Key Gall (Aceria fraxinivora).

Birds seen included:- Black Headed Gull; Greenfinch; Goldfinch; Carrion Crow; Dunnock; Coal Tit; Redwing; House Sparrow; Mallard; Moorhen; Sparrowhawk; Robin; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Magpie; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Long Tailed Tit and Nuthatch.

3rd January 2022 - Otterspool, Liverpool, Merseyside - A park up and a warm drink and whilst slurping I scanned a local playing field that held 200+ gulls. Black Headeds were the main species with approximately 30 Common Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls in the mix.

A pair of Wood Pigeon; 2 Mistle Thrushes and a Pied Wagtail were the only others seen along with Red Dead Nettle and Shepherd's Purse in flower.

We are still on a 'go-slow'.

3rd January 2022 - Woolton and Allerton area, Merseyside - A look for a few fungi with a few birds seen:- Goldcrest; Ringed Neck Parakeet; Blackbird; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Sparrowhawk; Wren; Jackdaw and Jay.

Herb Robert and Daisy were in flower and we also saw an Orange Ladybird and a Harlequin Ladybird.

A clump of Snowdrops in flower were nice to see.

The Ground Bug (Scolopostethus thomsoni) was named after several microscope photos from above, the sides and below.