8th December 2024 - Wirral CP/Neston, The Wirral - A better walk away from folk, very quiet but fish, chips and peas, a good coffee and my good lasses fine company always helps keep us going. Bird species seen were:- Pheasant; Blackbird; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Coot; Chaffinch; Moorhen; Goldfinch; Carrion Crow; Pink Footed Goose; Little Egret; Curlew; Jackdaw; Teal; Grey Heron; Starling; Canada goose and 2 * Red Legged Partridge and 3 * Marsh Harrier.

Hogweed and Meadow Buttercup were in flower.

16th November 2024 - Swithland Wood, Leicestershire - Leading a fungi walk and due to the fungi not playing ball it was all eyes to the deck. I did note 2 Galls:- Neuroterus quercusbaccarum and Andricus lignicola. We also added a 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and a Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus problematicus).

11th November 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - I was checking Ash twigs for fungi before a jog and a coffee.  I found a few myco-species and the following lichens:- Physcia adscendens; Xanthoria parietina; Arthonia radiata; Lecidella elaeochroma and Lecanora chlarotera sensu lato.  I was correct in all my ID's but it is nice to have confirmation when rusty. I am slowly looking at Lichens as I drift from leading full-on fungi walks - I used many sources to nail these and was assisted by Jenny Seawright online - very decent.

10th November 2024 - Bryn Pydew NR, Conwy - A new place visited, we had a full-circle walk to keep the blood flowing. Flowers in bloom were:- Herb Robert; Hogweed; Large Bindweed; Creeping Thistle; Meadow Buttercup; Ox-Eye Daisy; Red Clover; Common Ragwort; Dandelion agg; Daisy; and Travellers's Joy in seed.

The only birds seen were:- Blackbird; Carrion Crow and Wood Pigeon.

We also spied some Rough and Shiny Woodlice and a Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum).

8th November 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk in the sun to get some dinner, I saw:- 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 60 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 9 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 6 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocorus nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) and Black Medick in flower.

7th November 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short dinner break walk, 1 * Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) plus a Grey Heron; Carrion Crow and a few Ring Necked Parakeets. The Gall (Trioza centanthri) was also noted.

23rd October 2024 - Heaton Park, G. Manchester - A walk with the Young Carers, a few fungi and we saw a Leopard Slug and the Galls (Agathomyia wankowiczii) and (Hartigiola annulipes).  Myself and my colleagues were run ragged today, we added a single Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and nowt else.

22nd October 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk in the nippy sunshine, and I saw:- 12 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 2 * Birch Shieldbug(Elasmostethus interstinctus); 13 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 12 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 82 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 36 * Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 3 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana) and 6 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

20th October 2024 - Coombes Valley RSPB, Staffordshire - Leading another fungi walk in shocking weather. 3 Ravens were seen and a Robin, 5 * 2 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata) and 1 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis) were the few insects seen and I noted 1 Gall, namely Neuroterus albipes. The only other species added was the Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg).

14th October 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - A fridge full of fungi to ID meant I couldn't dawdle today. On the bike, a quick walk, a coffee and home. Thyme Leaved Speedwell was in flower as was Common Ragwort and Herb Robert. The Common Gulls were back on the football pitch, I only saw 1 Mandarin Duck today and the Gall:- Eriophyes inangulis was on fading Alder leaves.

13th October 2024 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - Today's Fungus Walk was a tough one, the fungi weren't playing fair. I managed to top the century though and added a few other specioes:- 60+ * Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris); 2 * Common Frog (Rana temporaria); 1 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 1 * Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta); 1 * Devil's Coach Horse (Staphylinus olens) and the Galls:- Hartigiola annulipes and Andricus kollari.

Birds noted were:- Great White Egret; Mallard; Great Crested Grebe; Grey Heron; Wren; Nuthatch; Buzzard; Song Thrush; Ring Necked Parakeet; Jackdaw; Stonechat; Carrion Crow; Jay; Coot; Tufted Duck; Magpie and Mute Swan.

I only noted Red Campion and Meadow Buttercup in flower - slack work indeed.

11th October 2024 - Heaton Moor Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A cycle for my dinner break, a small park was located, one I had never visited before.  To be fair it was the size of a postage stamp (well almost) and was a communal area that had been well-looked after.  I did see though:- 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).  Great Tit; Magpie and Wood Pigeon were three birds recorded and I saw Herb Robert and Nipplewort in flower during the briefest of visits.

2nd Oct 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk in the sun and a break from the desk.  The wind was blowing but I did see:- 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 40 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 7 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea) and 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale).

28th September 2024 - Longton Park, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire - A walk with the missus followed by some footy. 94 fungal species were found and we noted the following blooms:- Purple Loosestrife; Wood Avens; Common Fleabane; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; White Clover; Redshank; Black Medick; Groundsel; Yarrow; Red Clover; Creeping Thistle; Ribwort Plantain; Common Ragwort; Meadow Buttercup; Herb Robert; Red Valerian; Large Bindweed; Bridewort; Foxglove; Nipplewort and Chickweed.

Bird species listed were:- Blackbird; Moorhen; Cormorant; Canada Goose; Mallard; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Feral Greylag Goose; Black Headed Gull; Coot; Robin; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Mistle Thrush; Mute Swan; Jay and Jackdaw.

Also added were:- 1 * Field Mouse; 1 * Brown Rat and many cheeky Grey Squirrels. A few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni); a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); a couple of Marmalade Flies (Episyrphus balteatus) and the Galls:- Dasineura urticae; Iteomyia capreae and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum added extra interest.

25th September 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A  break from the desk at work, 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and the Galls:- Aceria erinea and Mikiola fagi with a few fungi was all I saw, it is better than nowt.

19th September 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk to the shops, a pootle in the works small garden.  I rolled two logs and saw:- 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 1 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber).  Also added were 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Rhododendron Leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Devil's Coach Horse (Staphylinus olens).

 17th September 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short wander for the dinner break, I am off to Blackpool tomorrow so have to crack on.  I did record:- 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Tachina fera); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

14th September 2024 - Bidston Moss, Wirral, Merseyside - A second location of the day, a short pootle prior to more Non-League at a new ground. Flowers in bloom were:- Sea Aster; Hedge Bindweed; Black Horehound; Himalayan Balsam; Herb Robert; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yarrow; Tansy; Red Clover; Black Medick; Water Mint; Common Knapweed; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Bramble agg; Large Bindweed; Creeping Buttercup; Mugwort; Hemp Agrimony; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Canadian Fleabane; Musk Mallow; White Melilot; Common Centaury; Daisy; Ribwort Plantain; Perforate St John's Wort and Tall Melilot.

The small insect list was made up of:- 2 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 10 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 3 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 2 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 3 * Dock Bug nymph (Coreus marginatus); 3 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata) and 3 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa).

The only birds listed were:- Moorhen and Mallard.

Galls seen were:- Eriophyes inangulis and Dasineura fraxini.

Also added were:- 1 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 1 * Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum); 1 * Harvestman (Paroligolophus agrestis); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 1 * Harvestman (Leiobunum rotundum) and the Himalayan Balsam Leafmine (Phytoliriomyza melampyga).

14th September 2024 - Birkenhead Park, Wirral, Merseyside - An early morning walk in lovely weather. Of course we had a coffee and a breakfast snack and we saw the following insects:- 19 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 12 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 32 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 2 * 24 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Common Flower Bug agg (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Dock Bug nymph (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae).

Flowers recorded were:- Pineappleweed; Large Bindweed; Feverfew; Wood Avens; Ox-Eye Daisy; Dandelion agg; Upright Hedge Parsley; Black Nightshade; Redshank; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Lesser Swine Cress; Groundsel; Sea Aster; Creeping Buttercup; Common Knotgrass; Meadow Buttercup; Wild Carrot; Red Clover; Common Knapweed; Common Fleabane; Creeping Thistle; Yarrow; Hedge Mustard; Common Ragwort; Purple Loosestrife; Daisy; Common Field Speedwell; Shaggy Soldier; Self-Heal; Bramble agg; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Lady's Mantle agg; Wood Dock, White Clover; Common Mouse Ear and Nipplewort.

The Gall list was made up of:- Protomyces macrosporus; Aceria macrochela; Trioza remota; Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus lignicola; Neuroterus numismalis; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes inangulis; Cynips divisa; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Andricus quercuscalicis; Iteomyia capreae; Euura pedunculi; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Andricus grossulariae; Andricus kollari; Taxomyia taxi; Obolodiplosis robiniae and Eriophyes leiosoma.

The bird list was made up of:- Lesser Black Backed Gull; Tufted Duck; Blackbird; Cormorant; Moorhen; Coot; Carrion Crow; Herring Gull; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Mallard; Feral Pigeon and Jackdaw.

We also added:- 1 * Brown Rat; several Grey Squirrels; 1 * Noble False Widow (Steatoda nobilis); 1 * Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); 1 * Harvestman (Paroligolophus agrestis); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Irish Yellow Slug (Limacus maculatus); Landhopper (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata); Pendulous Sedge; Silver Birch; Ash; Field Maple; Turkey Oak; Beech; Hawthorn; Common Alder and Black Locust.

13th September 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quiet day in work that allowed me to catch up.  I had a break due to the palpitations playing up a little.  There was a chill in the air but on a sun-kissed Rhododendron bush outside work I spied:- 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 1 * Rhododendron leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi).  Nearby, a Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) was soaking up some rays too. Walking along and a roadside Ivy Bush attracted:- 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera). Around the streets I spied a Small White (Pieris rapae) and a Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and in a nearby park 16 * Harlequin Ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis) fed on Lime Tree honeydew.

12th August 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A short afternoon pootle with the chill evident and rain threatening. I did manage to record a few Hoverflies:- Episyrphus balteatus (*1); Eristalis tenax (*1); Eristalis pertinax (*2); Myathropa florea (*7); Epistrophe grossulariae (*2); Melanostoma scalare (*1) and Chrysogaster solstitialis (*1).

Other insects seen were:- 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 7 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

Andricus kollari; Andricus gemmeus and Andricus aries were 3 galls seen whilst Common Bistort was showing a few fresh flowers, a Chaffinch flew by and a Buzzard called as it flew by. Whilst checking a damp log for a few fungal specimens I saw a Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum).

11th September 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A wet and windy day that saw me take a dinner break and march along with haste. I did see 2 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Magpie and 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 8 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 4 * Common Green Shieldbug nymphs (Palomena prasina).

9th September 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A fast cycle, some running and the palpitations were quelled. I had a walk around the perimeter of the field where I had been running with no top on (ooh heck). I saw a few insects:- 6 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Twin-Spot Centurion (Sargus bipunctatus); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Snail Killing Fly (Coremacera marginata); 13 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 28 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

One Beech tree was laden with the Gall (Mikiola fagi) - it seems to be spreading at an incredible rate. The only other Gall seen was Trioza remota.

Hogweed; Ribwort Plantain; Wild Angelica and Creeping Thistle were the only flowers noted and the few bird species listed were:- Long Tailed Tit; Grey Wagtail and Carrion Crow.

9th September 2024 - Chorlton Park, Chorlton, G. Manchester - A pootle for fungi around this well used park produced a small tally with a few insects noted too:- 3 * Twin-Spot Centurion (Sargus bipunctatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 3 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea) and 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

I also saw:- White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); an Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); a Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Harvestman (Leiobunum rotundum) and a Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus).

Carrion Crow; Black Headed Gull; Grey Heron; Long Tailed Tit; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw and Jay were the few birds noted, Dandelion agg; Himalayan Balsam; Hedge Bindweed; Greater Plantain; Daisy; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Ribwort Plantain; Common Nettle; Mugwort; Common Field Speedwell; Herb Robert and Hogweed were the few flowers recorded.

The only Galls seen were:- Obolodiplosis robiniae and Dasineura urticae.

8th September 2024 - Cheetham Park, Stalybridge, Tameside - A good breakfast, the rain had abated and so we had another quick walk around a new area. A small list of fungi were seen as well as 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); an Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); a Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) and a few flowers in bloom:- Common Ragwort; Ribwort Plantain; Common Knotgrass and Meadow Buttercup. I also added Wood Pigeon and Jackdaw - not a alot but it all gets recorded.

8th September 2024 - Stamford Park, Stalybridge, Tameside - A one hour walk in the rain before breakfast, I noted:- Canada Goose; Magpie; Coot; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw and a few Grey Squirrels. The only flowers pondered were:- Rosebay Willowherb; Common Ragwort; Mugwort; Yarrow; Creeping Thistle and Red Campion. We were in no mood to dawdle.

1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) braved the weather as did a Common Roller Moth (Celypha lacunana); a Harlequin Ladybird larvae (Harmonia axyridis); a Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus) and the Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii).

Only 2 Galls were spied:- Taxomyia taxi and Eriophyes inangulis.

7th September 2024 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - I should be leading fungi walks, I am looking to cut them out for many reasons and mix matters up. Today I led two 'Woodland Oddments' walks which were well received, the list comprised of various bits and bobs.

The 15 galls listed were:- Aphelonyx cerricola; Pseudoneuroterus saliens; Agathomyia wankowiczii; Andricus gemmeus; Andricus foecundatrix; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Steneotarsonemus phragmitidis; Lipara lucens; Euura proxima; Andricus kollari; Andricus quercuscalicis; Trioza remota; Obolodiplosis robiniae and Taxomyia taxi.

The 20 blooms I managed to squeeze in included:- Enchanters's Nightshade; Red Clover; White Clover; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Red Campion; Creeping Cinquefoil; Common Nettle; Pineappleweed; Rosebay Willowherb; Hogweed; Creeping Thistle; Marsh Thistle; Skullcap; Common Knotgrass; Common Ragwort; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Hedge Bindweed; Water Mint and Common Field Speedwell.

13 examples of other vegetation listed was:- Turkey Oak; Hazel; Common Alder; Silver Birch; Beech; Horse Chestnut; Sweet Chestnut; Elder; Yorkshire Fog; Hawthorn; Cock's-Foot Grass; Common Reed and Reed Canary Grass;

Insects were not playing fair but we did see 17 species:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 4 * Mirid Bug (Pantilius tunicatus); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 2 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Tree Damsel Bug (Himacerus apterus); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug nymphs (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber) and 2 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina).

The bird list was poor as I wasn't looking but I did list 5 species:- Jay; Wood Pigeon; Treecreeper; Blackbird and Goldfinch.

And we added the following 15 extras too:- Rough Woodlouse; Shiny Woodlouse; Leopard Slug; Budapest Slug; 2 * Common Toad; 2 * Common Frog; Orange LIchen (Xanthoria parietina); 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 1 * Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg); 3 * Harvestman (Paroligolophus agrestis); 1 * Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum); Brown Lipped Banded Snail; White Lipped Banded Snail; Garlic Snail and a few Grey Squirrels.

Along with 86 fungi the end tally was 171 species, a nice spread for two short walks with good folk of all ages. Oooh I also sold 4 books too - smashing.

6th September 2024 - Cheadle, Stockport, G. Manchester - A milklshake and a cake in a garden centre cafe, after the kissing the missus goodbye I cycled home whilst she went for a bit of shopping. Just before mounting the bike I saw a Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); a Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and a fresh Common Vetch bloom.

6th September 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Strolling to work with a coffee in one hand, the bike being pushed by the other and the body aching and twanging after another busy week.  A Mother of Pearl Moth (Patania ruralis) was sat on a Creeping Thistle flower, a Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) dipped and dived in the vegetation, 2 Carrion Crows pootled on some grass and the Gall (Euura pedunculi) was noted and looking in tip-top condition - unlike me.

5th September 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - An Old Lady Moth and an Angle Shades were in the bathroom - it keeps things ticking over nicely.

4th September 2024 - Paddington Meadows, Warrington, Cheshire - Great folk, weather that was OK and a good yomp looking at the wildlife of the area.

The 18 Galls listed by my good lady were:- Andricus quercuscalicis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Neuroterus numismalis; Euura proxima; Rabdophaga marginemtorquens; Neuroterus albipes; Dasineura urticae; Neuroterus anthracinus; Cynips longiventris; Andricus foecundatrix; Aceria macrochela; Trioza remota; Andricus gemmeus; Wachtliella persicariae; Andricus kollari; Protomyces macrosporus; Dasineura ulmaria and Rhopalomyia tanaceticola.

The 61 flowers in bloom included:- Common Knapweed; Redshank; Common Knotgrass; Marsh Cudweed; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Hedge Mustard; Meadowsweet; Purple Loosestrife; Rosebay Willowherb; Greater Knapweed; Sneezewort; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Slender Tare; Perennial Sow Thistle; Groundsel; Canadian Fleabane; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Hemp Agrimony; Great Willowherb; Herb Robert; Buddleia; Himalayan Balsam; Bramble agg; Creeping Thistle; Sea Aster; Ribwort Plantain; Spear Thistle; Common Nettle; Black Medick; Large Bindweed; Hedge Bindweed; Pineappleweed; Greater Plantain; Weld; Red Clover; White Clover; Tansy; Wild Carrot; Cow Parsley; Hogweed; Yarrow; Common Stork's-Bill; Daisy; Common Ragwort; Hairy Tare; Tufted Vetch; Wild Marjoram; Water Mint; Dandelion agg; Meadow Vetchling; Hedge Bedstraw; Comfrey agg; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Marsh Woundwort; Water Figwort; Mugwort; Wild Angelica; Canadian Goldenrod; Red Campion and Musk Mallow.

The insect list was comprised of 61 despite the dubious weather, these were:- 1 * Meadow Crane's-Bill Weevil (Zacladus geranii); 1 * Common Striped Ant-Mimic Ichneumon (Gelis melanocephalus); 1 * Sycamore Aphid (Drepanosiphum platanoidis); 1 * Hoverfly (Xanthogramma pedissequum); 1 * Common Plume (Emmelina monodactyla); 1 * Black Kneed Capsid (Blepharidopterus angulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Phytocoris varipes); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx notata); 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 2 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Spiked Shieldbug (Picromerus bidens); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 2 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta); 3 * Bishop's Mitre (Aelia acuminata); 4 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 2 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 2 * Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus granditarsus); 1 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 8 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 8 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 6 * Parent Bug nymph (Elasmucha grisea); 3 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 4 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 2 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 51 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 4 * Cinnamon Bug (Corizus hyoscyami); 12 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 6 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 3 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Snout (Hypena proboscidalis); 2 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus) and 1 * Nettle Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae). Also found were 2 beetles that the experts suggested would be OK for Bruchidius varius, I recorded it as a probable.

21 other species were added, these being:- 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 2 * Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 1 * Harvestman (Leiobunum rotundum); 2 * Harvestman (Paroligolophus agrestis); Bracken; Elder; Common Horsetail; Hazel; Hawthorn; Sycamore; Silver Birch; Common Alder; 1 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); 1 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Amber Snail (Succinea putris); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus) and 1 * Common Toad (Bufo bufo).

The 7 birds seen were:- Gadwall; Coot; Raven; Robin; Jay; Wood Pigeon and Magpie.

Along with 43 fungi the end tally was a respectable 211 species.

3rd September 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A long day at work broken by lunch with a very good mate. On the way home I took a different route but didn't dawdle, I saw:- 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug nymphs and 1 * adult (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 6 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus).

I also noted 1 * Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus).

2nd September 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A late walk with the missus in clammy weather. Diplolepis rosae and Dasineura rosae were seen along with a Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 8 Common Green Shieldbug nymphs (Palomena prasina) and Goldenrod in flower.

2nd September 2024 - Longford Park, Stretford, G. Manchester - A good bike ride and a very short walk under leaded skies. All I noted was 3 Galls:- Neuroterus albipes; Eriophyes leiosoma and Acalitus stenaspis, plus 2 Harlequin Ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis). The rain soon began to fall and I got a good soaking on the way home - it weren't half bad.

1st September 2024 - Pennington Flash, G. Manchester - Me and the missus met up with my brother for a walk. No sunshine but there was no rain and in truth, we didn't do half bad.

The 44 insects recorded today were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Phytocoris varipes); 1 * Broad Damsel Bug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 1 * Bright Four-Spined Legionnaire (Chorisops nagatomii); 1 * Tree Damsel Bug (Himacerus apterus); 2 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Nettle Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 1 * Oak Leafhopper (Typhlocyba quercus); 2 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus granditarsus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Reed Damsel Bug (Nabis lineatus); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Rhingia campestris); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 3 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 9 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 2 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 3 * Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 4 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 3 * Bishop's Mitre (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 3 * Hairy Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 5 * Common Green Shieldbug nymps (Palomena prasina); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Goldenrod Pug larva (Eupithecia virgaureata) and 1 * Comma larva (Polygonia c-album).

We also saw 24 other species:- 2 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 5 * Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg); 1 * Harvestman (Paroligolophus agrestis); 1 * Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); 1 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); 1 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Quaking Grass; Great Horsetail; Common Reed; Branched-Bur Reed; Common Alder; Sycamore; Hawthorn; Horse Chestnut; Silver Birch; Beech; Ash; Hazel; Field Maple; Wych Elm and Common Lime plus a Grey Squirrel.

58 blooms listed were:- Lady's Bedstraw; Eyebright agg; Fairy Flax; Yellow-Wort; Yarrow; Common Knotgrass; Red Clover; Groundsel; Creeping Thistle; Pineappleweed; Daisy; Greater Plantain; Sea Aster; Hogweed; Large Bindweed; Himalayan Balsam; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Great Willowherb; Rosebay Willowherb; Common Nettle; Wavy Bittercress; Japanese Knotweed; Ox-Eye Daisy; Marsh Woundwort; Canadian Goldenrod; Wood Avens; Red Campion; Common Knapweed; Red Bartsia; Meadow Buttercup; Tufted Vetch; Bramble agg; Bush Vetch; Enchanter's Nightshade; Herb Robert; Black Medick; Meadow Vetchling; Common Ragwort; Greater Burdock; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Self-Heal; Mugwort; Common Fleabane; Wild Angelica; Honeysuckle; Upright Hedge Parsley; Water Pepper; Wild Carrot; Kidney Vetch; Ribwort Plantain; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; White Melilot; Hedge Bindweed; Purple Loosestrife; Water Mint; White Dead Nettle; Dandelion agg and Garlic Mustard.

The Gall tally included 27 species:- Trioza remota; Euura proxima; Wachtliella persicariae; Iteomyia major; Cynips longiventris; Andricus foecundatrix; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Andricus quercuscalicis; Andricus gemmeus; Andricus aries; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Aceria campestricola; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Taphrina tosquinetii; Andricus kollari; Dasineura urticae; Eriophyes leiosoma; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Contarinia loti; Kiefferia pericarpiicola; Diplolepis rosae; Taphrina alni; Eriophyes inangulis; Acalitus brevitarsus agg; Dasineura ulmaria and Dasineura pustulans.

The 27 birds noted without binoculars were:- Great Crested Grebe; Mute Swan; Mallard; Grey Heron; Coot; Moorhen; Canada Goose; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Black Headed Gull; Egyptian Goose; Wood Pigeon; Little Egret; Lapwing; Swallow; Jay; Magpie; Gadwall; Chaffinch; Coal Tit; Wren; Nuthatch; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Robin; Moorhen; Blue Tit; Great Tit and Bullfinch.

Along with 19 fungal examples the end tally was a very rewarding 200 species.

31st August 2024 - Otterspool, Liverpool, Merseyside - Prior to watching the 14 game of the season at a new ground we had a walk in the sun, some light lunch, a sun-bathe and a mooch. Flowers recorded were:- Dandelion agg; Wild Carrot; Yarrow; Greater Plantain; Common Ragwort; Great Willowherb; Herb Robert; Canadian Fleabane; Large Bindweed; Ox-Eye Daisy; Mugwort; Creeping Buttercup; Red Bartsia; Japanese Knotweed; Redshank; Field Bindweed; Common Fleabane; Scented Mayweed; Chicory; Lady's Bedstraw; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Broom; Tree Mallow; Red Clover; Tamarisk; Black Nightshade; Russian Vine; Great Willowherb; Field Scabious; Scarlet Pimpernel; Common Knapweed; Bramble agg; Common Knotgrass; Common Nettle and Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil.

The small insect list comprised of:- 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 3 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 3 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 3 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) and 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea).

Birds seen were:- Kestrel; Magpie; Starling; Black Headed Gull; Common Buzzard; Lesser Black Backed Gull and Oystercatcher.

A Gall noted was:- Hayhurstia atriplicis.

31st August 2024 - Sefton Park, Liverpool, Merseyside - The final day of the month, we were both a trifle weary but cracked on. Early morn and a coffee start and then a walk hand in hand under lovely skies.

Insects seen were:- 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 12 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 5 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 4 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) and 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae).

Flowers noted were:- Common Ragwort; Yarrow; Ribwort Plantain; Greater Plantain; Bramble agg; Common Nettle; Enchanter's Nightshade; Herb Robert; Canadian Fleabane; Pineappleweed; Common Knotgrass; Great Willowherb; Nipplewort; Wood Avens; Hogweed; Creeping Thistle; Ox-Eye Daisy; White Clover; Common Knapweed and Hemp Agrimony.

The bird species seen included:- Little Grebe; Coot; Canada Goose; Moorhen; Mallard; Goldcrest; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Tufted Duck; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Jay; Feral Pigeon; Ring Necked Parakeet; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw; Wren; Grey Heron and Long Tailed Tit.

A few Galls thrown in were:- Eriophyes tiliae; Aceria macrochela; Aceria myriadeum; Taphrina alni; Eriophyes inangulis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Neuroterus numismalis; Vasates quadripedes; Hartigiola annulipes and Andricus kollari.

Turkey Oaks; Hornbeams and Sweet Chestnuts were looking quite splendid at the mo too.

30th August 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - At work, the sun was out, I went for a dinner time walk and saw: 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 5 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 5 * Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Common Nettle Groundbug (Heterogaster urticae); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

29th August 2024 - Tandle Hill CP, Royton, G. Manchester - And yet another walk with the Young Carers - what a great bunch. We had 12 in tow today, they ran me ragged. A few fungi, much banter and fine weather with a coffee for me to finish and ice creams all round for the young un's. Besides the fungi we saw 3 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens).

Galls nattered about were:- Trioza remota; Mikiola fagi; Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus quercuscalicis; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus anthracinus and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum.

We also saw a Common Frog, Striped Woodlouse; Shiny Woodlouse and I noted a Jackdaw and a Carrion Crow.

28th August 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - The rain was falling after a long day at the desk. I was 59 years old today, I was griping with this darn hernia pain, I cycled home and then had a walk with the brolly up. I saw 3 fungi in the local park and then down a cut-through I saw a lone Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and a single Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum). Bittersweet was in flower and was bedraggled by the precipitation - and that was that for the day.

26th August 2024 - King George V Playing Fields, Keighley, W. Yorkshire - A walk around some nearby grounds prior to today's game that would see Route One Rovers take on Maine Road FC.  We wandered for just over 1 hour and saw the following insects:- 4 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 2 * Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 Hoverfly (Leucozona glaucia); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 5 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis arbustorum) and 1 * Peacock (Aglais io).

We also added:- 2 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 1 * Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg); 4 * Harvestman (Paroligolophus agrestis); 1 * Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); 2 * Silver Sided Sector Spider (Zygiella x-notata) and a Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).

Flowers in bloom were:- Alsike Clover; Silverweed; Wild Carrot; Harebell; Greater Plantain; Hoary Willowherb; Teasel; Red Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Black Medick; Mugwort; Pineappleweed; Common Nettle; White Clover; Spear Thistle; Hedge Mustard; Creeping Buttercup; Upright Hedge Parsley; Great Willowherb; Red Campion; Creeping Cinquefoil; Common Mouse Ear; Yellow Loosestrife; Green Alkanet; Redshank; Curled Dock and Hogweed.

The only Galls added were:- Andricus quercuscalicis; Aceria macrochela; Dasineura urticae and we also saw a Wood Pigeon and a Wren

25th August 2024 - Wythenshawe CP, G. Manchester - A morning mooch before a bookshop visit, a coffee and some gardening. We took it easy and saw the following insects:- 1 * Cream Streaked Ladybird (Harmonia quadripunctata); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 2 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug nymph (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata).

Harvestmen noted were:- Dicranopalpus ramosus agg; Opilio canestrinii and Paroligolophus agrestis.

24th August 2024 - Shropshire Union Canal, Tyrley Locks to Market Drayton, Shropshire - Prior to some Non-League action we had a good circular walk and decided to record what we saw along this middle stretch. Flowers still out were:- Bittersweet; Shepherd's Purse; Rosebay Willowherb; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Creeping Thistle; Great Willowherb; Common Knotgrass; Common Nettle; Marsh Woundwort; Brooklime; White Clover; Red Clover; Pineappleweed; Redshank; Hedge Bindweed; Orange Balsam; Skullcap; Greater Plantain; Gypsywort; Yarrow; Bramble agg; Ox-Eye Daisy; Germander Speedwell; Enchanter's NIghtshade; Silverweed; Meadow Buttercup; Common Knapweed; Meadowsweet; Upright Hedge Parsley; Canadian Goldenrod and Wood Avens.

The only birds listed were:- Wood Pigeon (*1) and House Martin (*2).

Insects seen were:- 2 * Speckled Wood (Parage aegeria); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 4 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

The few Galls seen were:- Jaapiella veronicae agg; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Dasineura urticae; Dasineura ulmaria; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum and Diplolepis eglanteriae/nervosa.

Common Reedmace was also added along with Wall Rue.

24th August 2024 - Pell Wall, Market Drayton, Shropshire - After a morn around the shops and a good breakfast we started a walk with a look at a small roadside area. We noted a few blooms, these were:- Rosebay Willowherb; Large Bindweed; Common Ragwort; Common Nettle; Wild Angelica; Daisy; Redshank; Marsh Woundwort; Orange Balsam; Himalayan Balsam; Hogweed; Great Willowherb; Nipplewort; Giant Hogweed; Ribwort Plantain; Yarrow; Spear Thistle; White Clover; Dandelion agg; Creeping Buttercup; Shepherd's Purse; Black Medick; Thale Cress and Groundsel.

The only insects noted were:- 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * (Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 4 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 2 * Dock Bug nymph (Coreus marginatus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird larvae (Harmonia axyridis).

Also added were the Galls:- Eriophyes tiliae; Dasineura urticae; Dasineura ulmaria; Dasineura pustulans; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Euura pedunculi; Euura proxima; Macrodiplosis pustularis; Neuroterus numismalis and Andricus kollari.

The only other species added was a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

23rd August 2024 - Heaton Mersey Bowl, Stockport, G. Manchester - I finished work early, had a coffee and read about 'Impressionism' and then spent some time in a small sunken area where I thought I would be away from the wind. The sun came out, I got the belly out and I saw the following insects:- 27 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 11 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 19 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 7 * Dock Bug nymph (Coreus marginatus); 10 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis arbustorum); 5 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis nemorum); 2 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 9 * Roesel's Bush Cricket (Metrioptera roeselii); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 7 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 2 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 1 * Giant Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Thick Headed Fly (Conops quadrifasciatus); 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia bergenstammi) and 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

The only Galls recorded were:- Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Andricus kollari and Andricus quercuscalicis.

Flowers in bloom were:- Common Ragwort; Bush Vetch; Ribwort Plantain; Greater Plantain; Large Bindweed; Red Bartsia; Meadow Buttercup; Tufted Vetch; Great Willowherb; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Knapweed; Red Clover; Creeping Thistle; Himalayan Balsam; Bramble agg; Rosebay Willowherb; Broad Leaved Helleborine; Herb Robert and Wood Avens.

I also saw 5 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

22nd August 2024 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - The working day done, a cycle and then 45 minutes in the local meadow. It is a small area and the clouds were low and a breeze blowing, I did manage to look at a couple of flowering plants and record the following insects.

On Common Ragwort I saw:- 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata) and 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus).

On Bramble agg I noted:- 3 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Roller Moth (Ancylis badiana) and 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella inanis).

On Meadow Buttercup I picked out:- 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

On Common Knapweed were:- 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis arbustorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea) and 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius).

And on Nettle and Bramble I saw singles of the Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii).

On Wild Carrot I picked out a Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius).

On Marjoram I saw:- 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens).

On Creeping Thistle I spied 1 * Fruit Fly (Tephritis cometa).

And finally, on Hogweed I saw 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis).

I also saw Chequered Fruit Tree Tortrix (Pandemis corylana) as flushed from the leaves of Silver Birch; 2 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) in the grassland along with a single Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus) and several Rose Sawfly larvae and 1 adult (Arge pagana).

Lady's Bedstraw was still in flower as was Hairy Tare.

2 Galls noted were:- Diplolepis rosae and Dasineura rosae.

20th August 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A break from the desk, the sun was out with scatter clouds and a breeze blowing.  I was overjoyed to see 150+ Common Nettle Groundbug nymphs (Heterogaster urticae) all gathered together on the host plants leaves in several really cosy looking groups.  I reckon my count was very conservative too - here's to some good scuttling for every little gem. Whilst wandering I also recorded:- 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 8 * Common Green Shieldbug nymphs (Palomena prasina); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

19th August 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - A meet-up with a few fine folk, I started a list of species beforehand, continued during the walk and then had a 45 minute session after we had all had lunch and said 'goodbye. I was a bit slack list-keeping, my back and hernia were distracting my powers of concentration. Insects listed though were:- 2 * Ground Beetle (Harpalus affinis); 1 * Ground Beetle (Anchomenus dorsalis); 1 * Acorn Weevil (Curculio glandium); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella); 5 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 3 * Strawberry Seed Beetle (Harpalus rufipes); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 5 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 2 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Brown China Mark (Elophila nymphaeata); 3 * Dock Bug nymph (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Tortoise Bug (Eurygaster testudinaria); 8 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 4 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 10 * 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket (Metrioptera roeselii); 1 * Long Winged Conehead (Conocephalus discolor); 10 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) plus numerous larvae; 7 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 10 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus tuberculosus); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 3 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 2 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Lime Aphid (Eucallipterus tiliae); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 5 * Planthopper (Conomelus anceps); 2 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Hoverfly (Sericomyia silentis); 1 * Grey Damselbug (Himacerus major) and 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae).

Flowers noted in bloom were:- Pineappleweed; Buddleia; Frogbit; Greater Plantain; Ribwort Plantain; Rosebay Willowherb; Common Knotgrass; Great Willowherb; Hogweed; Wild Angelica; Upright Hedge Parsley; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Common Ragwort; Red Campion; Wood Avens; Herb Robert; Enchanter's Nightshade; Hedge Bindweed; Large Bindweed; Fringed Water Lily; Hedge Mustard; Water Mint; Himalayan Balasam; Water Dock; Marsh Thistle; Hedge Woundwort; Hoary Willowherb; Black Medick; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Redshank; Meadow Vetchling; Teasel; Purple Loosestrife; Ox-Eye Daisy; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Figwort; Tufted Vetch; Red Clover and Bush Vetch.

Birds listed were:- Ringed Neck Parakeet; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Grey Heron; Mallard and Moorhen.

Also added were:- 2 * Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg); 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); Grey Squirrel; Pendulous Sedge; Shiny Woodlouse; Green Cellar Slug; Netted Slug; Budapest Slug; Smooth Newt; Common Frog plus the Galls:- Andricus aries; Andricus kollari; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus anthracinus; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Neuroterus quercuscalicis; Mikiola fagi; Trioza remota and Acalitus stenaspis.

18th August 2024 - St Mary's Church, Cheadle, Stockport, G. Manchester - After a morn of gardening I had a short cycle, a coffee and a scribble and then had a short mooch in this roadside churchground. Insects seen were:- 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus) and 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

4 Galls noted were:- Acalitus stenaspis; Jaapiella veronicae; Mikiola fagi and Cecidophyes nudus.

Flowers with blooms were:- Daisy; Ribwort Plantain; Welsh Poppy; Self-Heal; Great Willowherb; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Meadow Buttercup; Common Ragwort; Herb Robert and Fox and Cubs.

18th August 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A minor laze and up. After a cooler night the moth trap held:- 1 * Pandemis corylana; 3 * Willow Beauty; 4 * Light Brown Apple Moth; 2 * Common Marbled Carpet; 5 * Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing; 2 * Square Spot Rustic; 1 * Common Rustic agg; 2 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner; 1 * Apple Leaf Miner; 2 * Lesser Yellow Underwing; 2 * Large Yellow Underwing; 2 * Garden Carpet; 4 * Copper Underwing; 3 * Dark Arches; 1 * Blastobasis adustella; 1 * Cabbage Moth; 1 * Brown House Moth; 1 * Acrobasis advenella; 1 * Marbled Beauty; 1 * Mother of Pearl and 1 * Bird Cherry Ermine agg.

Whilst gardening I saw:- 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) and 1 * Dock Bug nymph (Coreus marginatus).

17th August 2024 - Southport Marine Lake, Merseyside - Prior top the day's Non-League Football we had a smashing walk around the lake, a mooch in a bookshop and a good dinner and of course, obligatory coffee.

Birds listed were:- Swallow; House Martin; Herring Gull; Mute Swan; Mallard; Canada Goose; Black Headed Gull; Magpie; Linnet; Starling; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Jackdaw and Feral Pigeon.

Insects noted were:- 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 3 * Six Spot Burnet Moth (Zygaena filipendulae); 29 * Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus); 5 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) and 1 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis).

Blooms listed were:- Sea Holly; Fennel; Hare's-Foot Clover; Soapwort; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Daisy; Common Mallow; Creeping Buttercup; Wild Parsnip; Shaggy Soldier; Groundsel; Dandelion agg; Pellitory of the Wall; Common Ragwort; Great Willowherb; Ribwort Plantain; Canadian Fleabane; White Dead Nettle; Large Bindweed; Feverfew; Black Nightshade; Common Stork's-Bill; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Bramble agg; Spear Thistle; Common Nettle; Yarrow; Large Flowered Evening Primrose agg; Rosebay Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Restharrow; Japanese Rose; Red Clover; White Clover; Red Bartsia; Tansy; Meadow Buttercup; Sea Aster; Eyebright agg; Common Centaury; Wild Radish; Lucerne and the escape Sea Daisy (Erigeron glaucus) 

We also added Common Cottongrass.

17th August 2024 - Southport Botanical Gardens, Merseyside - An early pootle with a look at the grounds, the captive birds and with a coffee slurped. We didn't see a great deal but did record the following blooms:- Hedge Bindweed; Canadian Goldenrod; Creeping Buttercup; Herb Robert; Nipplewort; Hedge Mustard; Greater Plantain; Common Nettle; Daisy; Self-Heal; Great Willowherb; Mugwort; Lesser Swine Cress; Bramble agg; Spear Thistle; Common Field Speedwell; Thale Cress; Wood Avens; Large Bindweed; Common Ragwort; Ribwort Plantain; Prickly Sow Thistle; Black Nightshade; Creeping Thistle; Broad Leaved Willowherb; White Clover; Red Dead Nettle; Groundsel; and Shaggy Soldier.

Insects seen were:- 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 3 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 3 * Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae).

Galls seen were:- Dasineura urticae and Andricus quercuscalicis.

Birds listed were:- Mallard; Coot; Black Headed Gull; Wren; Robin; Mute Swan; Magpie; Blackbird; Feral Pigeon and Moorhen.

We also added a couple of Brown Rats; Pendulous Sedge and the Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii).

16th August 2024 - Heaton Moor, Didsbury, G. Manchester - The hernia and back have gone twang again, ruddy heck. I had short break from the desk at work and walked the local streets, I saw:- 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 6 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 4 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina): 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg).

15th August 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - I finished work early today, had a coffee, a cycle and then the rains came, I was wonderfully soaked. The only insects recorded were:- 30 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) and 5 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

14th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short mooch after a long day at work. I saw:- 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 21 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 3 * Hoverfly (Eristalis arbustorum); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 5 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Blood-Vein (Timandra comae); 2 * Hoverfly (Eristalis nemorum); 4 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Hoverfly (Eristalis intricaria); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Grass Moth (Agriphila tristella) and 1 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis).

12th August 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up and a spot of moth-trap checking. The species recorded were:- Copper Underwing (*1); Swammerdamia pyrella (*1); Grey/Dark Dagger agg (*3); Willow Beauty (*3); Acleris forsskaleana (*1); Honeysuckle Moth (*1); Pyrausta aurata (*2); Double Striped Pug (*1); Brown House Moth (*3); Apple Leaf Miner (*3); Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*2); Blastobasis adustella (*1); Large Yellow Underwing (*1); Dark Arches (*1); Square Spot Rustic (*1); Eudemis profundana (*1) and Common Marbled Carpet (*1).

2 Harlequin Ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis) were also in the mix.

11th August 2024 - Tandle Hill CP, Royton, G. Manchester - It is too hot, I was frazzled today. I had a walk with my wife and daughter and despite the heat I still managed 2 coffees - they were grand. We took it easy today, we waltzed along and never really stopped. The insects recorded were:- 9 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 6 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 5 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 4 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 3 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana); 3 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Red Barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana); 3 * Hoverfly (Eristalis nemorum); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Notch Horned Cleg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula rufina); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 2 * Parent Bug nymph (Elasmucha grisea); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus).

Flowers in bloom were:- Himalayan Balsam; Wild Angelica; Common Nettle; Greater Plantain; Creeping Buttercup; Daisy; Common Ragwort; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Bramble agg; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Great Willowherb; Rosebay Willowherb; White Clover; Creeping Thistle; Lady's Mantle agg Procumbent Pearlwort; Common Knapweed; Yarrow; Red Bartsia; Common Chickweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Self-Heal; Redshank and Large Bindweed.

The few galls picked out were:- Cynips divisa; Mikiola fagi; Andricus quercuscalicis and Andricus foecundatrix.

The only birds noted were 2 Jays, a few Wood Pigeons, a Carrion Crow, a Lesser Black Backed Gull and a Magpie. only other things added were a few fungi and a Leopard Slug and a Shiny Woodlouse.

10th August 2024 - Garstang Millennium Green/Flood Basin, Garstang, Lancashire - A visit to an art exhibition and a coffee, a pootle around the small town, a breakfast and another coffee, a walk and then a new football ground visited. It is all good stuff and the weather was glorious.

Insects seen were:- 1 * Leafhopper (Allygus mixtus); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 4 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 3 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Eristalis arbustorum); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 3 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Crane Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * Yellow-Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata) and 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina).

Galls listed were:- Dasineura ulmaria; Eriophyes tiliae; Eriophyes exilis; Taphrina alni; Andricus foecundatrix; Euura proxima; Andricus quercuscalicis; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Neuroterus anthracinus; Neuroterus albipes; Acalitus brevitarsus agg and Eriophyes inangulis.

The only birds noted were:- Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Wood Pigeon and House Sparrow.

Blooms noted were:- Common Mouse Ear; Bush Vetch; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Hedge Mustard; Tufted Vetch; Teasel; Nipplewort; Black Medick; Red Clover; Canadian Goldenrod; Meadowsweet; Fringed Water Lily; Common Ragwort; Creeping Thistle; Hogweed; Meadow Vetchling; Marsh Woundwort; Silverweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Water Mint; Scentless Mayweed; Large Bingweed; White Dead Nettle; Pineappleweed; Dandelion agg; Meadow Buttercup; Greater Plantain; Lesser Burdock; Curl Leaved Dock; Great Willowherb; Bramble agg; Self-Heal; Red Campion; Common Chickweed; Mugwort; White Clover; Common Nettle; Himalayan Balsam and Daisy.

Also added were 2 * Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg).

9th August 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short cycle for the dinner break and a mini-pootle before dashing back to the desk to catch up.  5 Galls were seen:- Mikiola fagi; Neuroterus numismalis; Hartigiola annulipes; Psyllopsis fraxini agg and Iteomyia capreae.  5 Speckled Woods (Pararge aegeria) were enjoying patches of dappled sun, Figwort was still hanging on to a few blooms with 6 Weevils (Cionus tuberculosus) looking dapper.  Common Ragwort and Great Willowherb were the only other species noted along with fruiting Turkey Oak.

7th August 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - On Wednesdays and Thursdays I walk my good lady to work, I get a coffee and stroll to my own place of labour.  On the way I cut off down a short stretch of the river and saw a Kingfisher for my efforts.  A smashing Broad Leaved Helleborine was seen too along with a white flowering Red Valerian and American Winter Cress plus a resting Marmalade Fly (Episyphus balteatus).  

6th August 2024 - Brockholes NR, Lancashire - Another walk with the young un's from work, by heck I was absolutely shattered come the end - it has been a busy period of late and the weather today was warm again. We didn't get that far today, we pootled and chased and caught many Common Frogs and Common Toads and even saw a Roe Deer and a few Mallards.

I also spied and shared a Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); a Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis ); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata), numerous Common Green Grasshoppers (Omocestus viridulus) and Common Blue Damselflies (Enallagma cyathigerum); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 2 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) and the blooms:- Herb Robert; Spear Thistle; Common Ragwort and Tufted Vetch.

The only other things added were many Brown Lipped Banded Snails (Cepaea nemoralis) and a couple of Amber Snails (Succinea putris).

I added 1 Gall - Eriophyes inangulis.

5th August 2024 - Brookfields Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early morning roam, a coffee to follow and home before 12 noon to catch up. Despite the clouds hanging low i saw a few insects:- 12 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Forest Bug (Pentatoma rufipes); 7 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Apple Leaf Miner (Lyonetia clerkella); 13 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 5 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 2 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 2 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 3 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis horticola); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 3 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) and 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius).

Galls recorded were:- Mikiola fagi; Acalitus stenaspis; Hartigiola annulipes; Andricus quercuscalicis; Andricus foecundatrix; Macrodiplosis pustularis; Neuroterus numismalis; Trioza remota and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum.

4th August 2024 - Hassall Green NR, Betchton, Cheshire - I was leading a walk at a private, fenced off reserve for The Land Trust today. by heck the young un's run me ragged and I struggled to keep a list. We must share the word with those who deserve hope and a future though. Many of the older generations have blown it, we shall not give in.

The 43 insects recorded were:- 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 4 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 4 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 6 * Meadow Grasshopper (Pseudochorthippus parallelus); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 3 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 2 * Tortoise Bug nymph (Eurygaster testudinaria); 2 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Metrioptera roeselii); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus); 1 * Broad Damsel bug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Bishop's Mitre (Aelia acuminata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 2 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Face Fly (Musca autumnalis); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Leafhopper (Evacanthus interruptus); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Rhingia campestris); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Oncotylus viridiflavus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Hoverfly (Eristalis arbustorum); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Picture Winged Fly (Herina lugubris); 1 * Common Damsel Bug (Nabis rugosus) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

The 42 flowers in bloom were:- Himalayan Balsam; Lesser Trefoil; White Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Common Nettle; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Self-Heal; Black Medick; Herb Robert; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Broad Leaved Dock; Common Ragwort; Spear Thistle; Hogweed; Garlic Mustard; Common Knapweed; Perforate St John's Wort; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Rosebay Willowherb; Bush Vetch; Common Centaury; Greater Plantain; Daisy; Goosegrass; Ragged Robin; Ox-Eye Daisy; Red Clover; Teasel; Hedge Bedstraw; Large Bindweed; Meadowsweet; Common Comfrey agg; Red Campion; Great Willowherb; Bramble agg; Nipplewort; Purple Loosestrife; Hedge Woundwort; Figwort; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Lesser Burdock and Yellow Rattle.

8 Galls listed were:- Euura proxima; Diplolepis rosae; Trioza remota; Dasineura pustulans; Protomyces macrosporus; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Cynips divisa and Neuroterus anthracinus.

Also added were 11 others:- 2 * Harvestman (Platybunus triangularis); several Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus) and a Common Buzzard. Common Horsetail; Pendulous Sedge; Silver Birch; Sycamore and Hazel were added too.

Along with 13 fungi the end list was 115 species - phew, I was knackered come the end but the coffee and biscuits helped restore some energy. I also sold a book to a lovely lady too - smashing.

3rd August 2024 - Rough Wood Chase LNR, West Midlands - 7 goals at football followed by a short pootle to stretch the legs. Despite it being late in the day we say a few insects:- 13 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 4 * Hoverfly (Volucella inanis); 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 14 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens) and 3 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

Flowers noted were:- Angelica; Black Medick; Mugwort; Wood Avens; Teasel; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Lesser Water Parsnip; Red Bartsia; Ribwort Plantain; Nipplewort; Red Clover; Water Mint; Gypsywort; Rosebay Willowherb; Spear Thistle; Upright Hedge Parsley; Meadow Buttercup; Common Ragwort; White Water Lily; Hedge Mustard; Creeping Thistle; Great Willowherb; Greater Plantain; Hogweed; Bramble agg; Broad Leaved Dock; Common knotgrass; Pineappleweed; Large Bindweed; Common Nettle; White Dead Nettle and Hedge Woundwort.

3 Common Buzzards were seen along with Moorhen; Jay; Coot; and Mallard plus the Galls:- Andricus foecundatrix; Neuroterus numismalis and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum.

3rd August 2024 - Mill Green & Hawks Green Valley NR, Cannock, Staffordshire - A new place wandered in pleasant weather. I had a look at a bee's nest and one bugger stung me on the ear - it left me with a swollen, throbbing lug.

This walk was prior to visiting a new Non-League ground, it is good to keep things varied. Insects recorded were:- 10 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 3 * Lesser Marsh Grasshopper (Chorthippus albomarginatus); 1 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper (Pseudochorthippus parallelus); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 2 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata); 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 2 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) and a few Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

Birds seen included:- Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; House Sparrow; Mallard; Coot; Black Headed Gull; Canada Goose; Goldfinch; Magpie; Feral Pigeon; Mute Swan; Blackbird; Robin; Grey Heron; Little Egret; Great Tit; Moorhen and House Martin.

Galls listed were:- Hartigiola annulipes; Dasineura urticae; Eriophyes inangulis; Eriophyes laevis; Aculus tetanothrix; Neuroterus numismalis; Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus kollari; Vasates quadripedes; Jaapiella veronicae agg; Dasineura pustulans; Acalitus brevitarsus agg ; Rabdophaga rosaria and Taphrina alni.

Flowers in bloom were:- Ox-Eye Daisy; Greater Burdock; Ragged Robin; Gypsywort; Red Clover; Black Medick; Water Mint; Teasel; Buddleia; Purple Loosestrife; Creeping Cinquefoil; Marsh Thistle; Enchanter's Nightshade; Hedge Woundwort; Spear Thistle; Common Knapweed; Creeping Buttercup; Pineappleweed; Dandelion agg; Broad Leaved Dock; Common Nettle; Meadow Vetchling; Ribwort Plantain; Common Ragwort; White Clover; Daisy; Bush Vetch; Bramble agg; Creeping Thistle; Wild Carrot; Perforate St John's-Wort; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Red Bartsia; Meadowsweet; Self-Heal; Common Fleabane; Hoary Willowherb; Great Willowherb; Lesser Spearwort; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Himalayan Balsam; Common Mouse Ear; Large Bindweed; White Dead Nettle; Goosegrass; Red Campion; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Bittersweet; Rosebay Willowherb; Wood Dock; Angelica; Wood Avens; Claridge Druce’s Crane’s-Bill and Garlic Mustard.

Common Alder; Reedmace; Silver Maple; Pendulous Sedge and White Lipped Banded Snail were a few extras thrown in.

3rd August 2024 - Loynton Moss NR, Staffordshire - An early morning walk, it was wet underground so we didn't dawdle and went for a good breakfast and a coffee before seeking out a new area. We did record a few flowers:- Common Nettle; Spear Thistle; Hogweed; Greater Plantain; White Clover; Meadow Buttercup; Common Ragwort; Red Clover; Pineappleweed; Red Campion; Herb Robert; Enchanter's Nightshade; Bramble agg; Tufted Vetch; Common Knapweed; Red Bartsia; Angelica; Ribwort Plantain; Great Willowherb and Rosebay Willowherb.

The small insect list included:- 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum).

Wood Pigeon; Four Spotted Orb Weaver (Araneus quadratus) and the Galls:- Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Dasineura urticae; Neuroterus numismalis and Andricus quercuscalicis made up the small list.

1st August 2024 -  Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Continuing my walk and cycle to work for the second time today and the Gall (Aceria genistae) was on Broom, this is only the second time I have seen it. I also noted a rain soaked Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); a resting Hawthorn Beetle (Lochmaea crataegi); a dew kissed Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); a few fluttering Horse Chestnut Leaf Miners (Cameraria ohridella); a lone Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae) and the Common Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha).  Oh I also saw another Gall, this one being the Silk Button Gall (Neuroterus numismalis).

1st August 2024 -  River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - I arrived at work and had forgotten my glasses - bah.  A cycle home, the second coffee of the day and a walk back pushing the bike. The galls Neuroterus anthracinus and Andricus quercuscalicis were on Oak, a Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) buzzed about and the Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella) flitted over damp herbage.  Today was the 100th day on the bounce that I had recorded some wild specimens - on we must go, against the lackadaisical flow.

31st July 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard/Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - Rushed off my feet at work but a stroll home and a hour-long potter resulted in a stifled bonce and the following insects:- 1 * Brown Lacewing (Micromus variegatus); 11 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 11 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 7 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 15 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 5 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 5 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird larva (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird larva (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 2 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 3 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 3 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis); 1 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 8 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 4 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Marsh Damselbug (Nabis limbatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata) and the Leafhopper (Aphrodes makarovi) which was swept from Nettle and so is most likely this species.

Spear Thistle; Goat's-Rue; Betony; Tansy and Zig-Zag Clover were the pick of the flowers.

30th July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up at the crack so as to beat the House Sparrows to the moth trap. I made it just in time, species recorded were:- Swammerdamia pyrella (*1); Yellow Barred Brindle (*1); Buff Footman (*1); Red Barred Tortrix (*1); Riband Wave f. remutata (*2); Bird Cherry Ermine agg (*28); Swallow-Tailed Moth (*3); Marbled Beauty (*5); Box Tree Moth (*6); Light Brown Apple Moth (*8); Blastobasis adustella (*3); Common Rustic agg (*7); Willow Beauty (*4); Acrobasis advenella (*6); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*1); Brimstone (*1); Mother of Pearl (*1); Pebble Hook Tip (*2); Snout (*1); Riband Wave (*1); Hypsopygia glaucinalis (*1); Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing (*1); Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*49); Flame Shoulder (*1); Apple Leaf Miner (*40); Bryotropha affinis (*2); Agriphila straminella (*2); Dun-Bar (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*2); Spectacle (*1); Chrysoteuchia culmella (*1); Dot Moth (*1); Tinea trinotella (*1); Brown House Moth (*2); Water Veneer (*7); Shuttle Shaped Dart (*1); Dark Arches (*2); Pammene fasciana (*1) and Honeysuckle Moth (*1).

Also in the mix were singles of:- Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata) and Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum).

29th July 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - A cycle and a short walk. In truth the peeps on their phones and letting their dogs run wild got on my tits today so I soon cycled on and had a coffee and a chat with a nice bloke in nearby Didsbury. What I did see was:- 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens) and a good gathering of Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella).

29th July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up early and the moth trap pootled through. Species recorded were:- Hypsopygia glaucinalis (*1); Swallow-Tailed Moth (*2); Brimstone (*2); Box Tree Moth (*7); Marbled Beauty (*4); Heart and Dart (*1); Willow Beauty (*4); Light Brown Apple Moth (*5); Bird Cherry Ermine agg (*6); Pebble Hook Tip (*1); Common Rustic agg (*4); Riband Wave (*1); Dun-Bar (*3); Square Spot Rustic (*1); Mother of Pearl (*1); Large Yellow Underwing (*1); Crambus pascuella (*1); Dot Moth (*1); Crassa unitella (*1); Agriphila straminella (*1); Garden Carpet (*1); Fan-Foot (*1); Brown House Moth (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*1); Water Veneer (*20); Apple Leaf Miner (*1); Mompha propinquella (*1); Dingy Footman (*1); The Miller (*1) and Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (*1).

As I pottered in the garden between catching up on the recording front I noted Garlic Mustard; Great Willowherb; Ox-Eye Daisy; Herb Robert; Red Campion; Teasel; Dotted Loosestrife; Wood Sage; Greater Celandine; Nipplewort; Meadow Buttercup; Enchanter's Nightshade and Groundsel bearing flowers.

The few other insects seen were:- 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 2 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens) and 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album).

A Ring Necked Pararkeet flew over and a Wood Pigeon came to stuff his guts on the fresh seed I put out. Garden Snails were in good numbers but hiding away.

28th July 2023 - Dobcroft NR, Preston, Lancashire - I led another walk, it was a general mooch trying to see what we could at this 5 acre site. With a few extra thrown-in by Stephen Palmer and a lass called Carolyn, the end list of species I saw and shared was as follows.

Insects were still struggling, a trend for the year and maybe, a lot longer (I really hope not). The list was made up of 48 species only:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Ptychoptera contaminata); 1 * Rufescent Sharp-Tail Bee (Coelioxys rufescens); 1 * Beetle (Donacia versicolorea); 1 * Rust Fly (Loxocera albiseta);1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 2 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 5 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 2 * Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator); 2 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 5 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa); 3 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 3 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 3 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Common Roller Moth (Ancylis badiana); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1* Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Brown China Mark (Elophila nymphaeata); good numbers of Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird larva (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird larva (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee agg (Bombus lucorum); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Picture Winged Fly (Herina lugubris); 1 * Planthopper (Conomelus anceps); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and an abundance of Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis) plus a Ruby Tailed Wasp (Chrysis agg).

Stephen Palmer donated a few leafminers to the day, these were:- Trifurcula cryptella; Lyonetia clerkella; Stigmella salicis; Parornix anglicella; Stigmella anomalella; Phyllonorycter oxyacanthae; Phyllonorycter leucographella and Epermenia chaerophyllella. He also caught a Notch Winged Tortrix (Acleris emargana) and a Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) to add to the day's tally. Grand work, 10 additional species and a nice couple of folk.

The 67 blooms listed were:- Honeysuckle; Common Fleabane; Rosebay Willowherb; Common Ragwort; Great willowherb; Wild Marjoram; Bush Vetch; Spear Thistle; Hedge Bedstraw; Marsh Bedstraw; Creeping Thistle; Hoary Willowherb; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Bramble agg; Large Flowered Evening Primrose agg; Teasel; Ribwort Plantain; Meadowsweet; Hedge Woundwort; Angelica; Lesser Spearwort; Red Bartsia; Redshank; Hairy Tare; Hogweed; Black Medick; Self-Heal; Tufted Vetch; White Clover; Red Clover, Zigzag Clover; Yellow Rattle; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Tall Melilot; Hedge Bindweed; Celery Leaved Buttercup; Water Plantain; Pineappleweed; Perforate St John's-Wort; Marsh Woundwort; Purple Loosestrife; Common Knapweed; Curl Leaved Dock; Wild Carrot; Wood Dock; Gypsywort; Silverweed; Lady's Bedstraw; Common Spotted Orchid; Herb Robert; Spear Mint; Greater Plantain; Red Campion; Canadian Goldenrod; Vervain; Dotted loosestrife; Creeping Jenny; Amphibious Bistort; Large Bindweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Wood Avens; Lesser Trefoil; Meadow Vetchling; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup and Wavy Bittercress.

Guelder Rose and Lords and Ladies were in fruit; Hawthorn was look fagged out, Ash was idling under the sun; Quaking Grass and Pendulous Sedge were in seed; Sycamore was sporting the odd fungal splash; Timothy Grass was still standing proud and we added Common Reed; Common Reedmace; False Fox Sedge; Cyperus Sedge; Slender Spike Rush and Sharp Flowered Rush. It was another 14 species.

The 12 birds picked out were:- Chiffchaff; Herring Gull; Black Headed Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Swift; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Magpie and Carrion Crow plus Blackbird; Wren and Jay on call.

9 Galls listed were:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Dasineura ulmaria; Dasineura pustulans; Euura proxima; Livia juncorum; Neuroterus anthracinus; Cynips divisa and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum.

6 others added were:- 2 * Smooth Newt (Triturus vulgaris); 3 * Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus); 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 1 * Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Common Frog (Rana temporaria) and Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius).

Along with 20 fungi examples the end total was 187 species - it is better than a kick in the jacksie methinks and the sun was lovely and the company smashing.

27th July 2024 - Whitegate Way, Winsford, Cheshire - A pop in to the Station House Cafe for lunch and a brew and then a 60 minute mooch before football. The flowers in bloom were:- Marsh Cudweed; Green Field Speedwell; Goosegrass; Common Field Speedwell; Herb Robert; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Common Nettle; Wall Speedwell; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Marsh Yellow Cress; Bramble agg; Wood Avens; Buddleia; Hedge Woundwort; Pineappleweed; Rosebay Willowherb; Greater Plantain; Groundsel; Scented Mayweed and Hoary Willowherb.

The insects seen were:- 3 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 2 * Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella) and 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

We also saw:- Magpie; Robin; 1* Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg); 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii) and a Common Frog as well as a single Gall (Protomyces macrosporus).

27th July 2024 - Winsford Park, Winsford, Cheshire - After a fine coffee we worked our way back to the car via this small green area. We saw a few insects:- 15 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 3 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus) and approximately 100 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella).

Flowers in bloom were:- Gypsywort; Water Plantain; Hedge Woundwort; Self-Heal; Redshank; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yarrow; Broad Leaved Dock; Hemp Agrimony; Common Fleabane; Meadowsweet; Purple Loosestrife; Creeping Thistle; Large Bindweed; Great Willowherb; Dandelion agg; Hoary Willowherb; Spear Thistle; Large Flowered Evening Primrose agg; Cow Parsley; Daisy; Common Ragwort; Common Knotgrass; Herb Robert; Groundsel; Black Medick; Red Clover; Ribwort Plantain; White Clover; Common Field Speedwell and Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill.

27th July 2024 - Bottom Flash/Rilshaw Meadows, Winsford, Cheshire - Non-League day so before the opening match of the season we had a walk at this area, nipped for a coffee and did a neaby park. Dull weather didn't dull the spirits. We had a nice stretch and saw the following blooms:- Large Bindweed; Common Ragwort; White Clover; Great Willowherb; Bramble agg; Common Nettle; Spear Thistle; Creeping Thistle; Himalayan Balsam; Creeping Buttercup; Wood Dock; Hogweed; Wood Avens; Garden Privet; Meadowsweet; Daisy; Nipplewort; Purple Loosestrife; Orange Balsam; Marsh Woundwort; Gypsywort; Pineappleweed; Mugwort; Yarrow; Ribwort Plantain; Rosebay Willowherb; Japanese Knotweed; Angelica; Greater Plantain; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Lesser Burdock; Common Fleabane; Herb Robert; Garlic Mustard; Shepherd's Purse and Common Knotgrass.

Galls picked out were:- Obolodiplosis robiniae; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Andricus quercuscalicis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum and Neuroterus numismalis.

Birds recorded were:- Blackbird; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Cormorant and Black Headed Gull.

It was far from insect friendly weather but we did see:- 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 35 * Parent Bug nymph (Elasmucha grisea); 2 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae) and 3 * Willow Ermine (Yponomeuta rorrella) from webs on Salix.

The only other species seen were:- Brown Lipped Banded Snail; Pendulous Sedge and a few fungi.

26th July 2024 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up and out on the bike, a cafe stop off for a coffee and then a short cycle and a mooch. I met up with a few carers and staff from work and then led walk 474 before a coffee and cake finish was had. Whilst on site we managed to avoid the rain and the following 43 insect species were recorded:- 1 * Bark Fly (Graphopsocus cruciatus); 1 * Reed Damsel Bug (Nabis lineatus); 1 * Lauxaniid Fly (Sapromyza sexpunctata); 1 * Fungus Gnat (Sciara sp); 1 * Mirid Bug (Polymerus nigrita); 2 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 3 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1* Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella inanis); 10 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 2 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Paradromius linearis); 2 * Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Mirid Bug (Heterotoma planicornis); 2 * Leafhopper (Evacanthus interruptus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber) and 1 * Peacock larva (Aglais io).

38 flowers in bloom were:- Large Bindweed; Hogweed; Creeping Thistle; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Common Ragwort; Creeping Buttercup; Tufted Vetch; Pineappleweed; Common Knapweed; Wood Avens; Red Campion; Herb Robert; Great Willowherb; Rosebay Willowherb; Himalayan Balsam; Ground Elder; Garlic Mustard; Common Nettle; Meadowsweet; Purple Loosestrife; Comfrey agg; Wood Dock; Canadian Goldenrod; Spear Thistle; White Clover; Bramble agg; Meadow Buttercup; Dandelion agg; Bush Vetch; Green Alkanet; Goosegrass; Greater Plantain; Red Clover; Tansy; Musk Mallow; Tufted Vetch; Ribwort Plantain and Hairy Tare.

The 6 Galls discussed were:- Euura proxima; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes inangulis; Dasineura ulmaria; Dasineura pustulans and Dasineura urticae.

Also recorded were:- 2 * Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus); 1 * Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); 2 * Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and a baby Frog (Rana temporaria).

The only bird species recorded were;- Canada Goose; Mallard; Mandarin; Magpie; Wood Pigeon and Blackbird - I can't have eyes everywhere.

With a few fungi, the end tally was 105 species - not bad for a short, casual stroll.

25th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A slow walk home, a chat with two nice lasses and the only insects seen were:- 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 4 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 3 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis) and 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum).

Upright Hedge Parsley was looking tidy and Common Ragwort was providing a few feeding stations for some of the insects seen.

The only other species recorded was a young Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus).

24th July 2024 - Paddington Meadows, Warrington, Cheshire - A walk with a fine bunch of folk who really are a treat to catch back up with. We had brews, muffins and biscuits to start and then avoided any rain and finished with the same treats. The flower list was kept by my good lady, the end total was 89 species in bloom:- Marsh Cudweed; Hemp Agrimony; Bramble agg; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Pineappleweed; Herb Robert; Buddleia; Common Ragwort; Himalayan Balsam; Large Bindweed; Rosebay Willowherb; White Clover; Creeping Thistle; Great Willowherb; Common Poppy; Spear Thistle; Ribwort Plantain; Hedge Woundwort; Common Nettle; Purple Loosestrife; Tall Melilot; Wall Speedwell; White Melilot; Green Alkanet; Groundsel; Black Medick; Cow Parsley; Red Bartsia; Purple Toadflax; Tufted Vetch; Hogweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Creeping Buttercup; Goosegrass; Nipplewort; Red Campion; Red Clover; Weld; Curl Leaved Dock; Daisy; Tansy; Hairy Tare; Slender Tare; Common Knapweed; Marjoram; Hedge Bedstraw; Wild Carrot; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Common Figwort; Meadow Vetchling; Meadow Buttercup; Water Plantain; Lesser Spearwort; Common Knotgrass; Garlic Mustard; Wavy Bittercress; Claridge Druce’s Crane’s-Bill; Self-Heal; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Comfrey agg; Common Field Speedwell; Teasel; Perforate St John's-Wort; Mugwort; Goat's-Beard; White Campion; Common Mouse Ear; Unbranched Bur Reed; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Yellow Loosestrife; Yarrow; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Meadowsweet; Ox-Eye Daisy; White Dead Nettle; Greater Plantain; Dandelion agg; Hedge Mustard; Musk Mallow; Hedge Bindweed; Field Scabious; Water Figwort; Marsh Woundwort; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Cuckooflower; Agrimony; and Garden Privet; Large Flowered Evening Primrose and Canadian Fleabane just outside the site on the road where we parked our car.

12 other plants noted were:- Sycamore; Silver Birch; Bracken; Pendulous Sedge; Common Reedmace; Common Reed; Cock's-Foot Grass; Hawthorn and Elder in fruit; Ash; Horse Chestnut and Hazel.

The 17 Galls listed were:- Dasineura ulmaria; Dasineura pustulans; Euura proxima; Andricus lignicola; Neuroterus albipes; Rhopalomyia tanaceticola; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Wachtliella persicariae; Iteomyia major; Neuroterus anthracinus; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Andricus lignicola; Trioza remota; Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus quercuscalicis and Cynips divisa.

Insects were in poor form today, a sign of the tough year and the ongoing pressures created by people. We did record 83 species though, these were:- 1 * Weevil (Eutrichapion viciae); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Marsh Damsel Bug (Nabis limbatus); 1 * Brassy Y Moth (Argyresthia goedartella); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper (Pseudochorthippus parallelus); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 1 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 2 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis); 3 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 2 * Mirid Bug (Pithanus maerkelii); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 2 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Weevil (Cionus tuberculosus); 1 * Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum); 2 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Tansy Plume (Gillmeria ochrodactyla); 1 * Common Plume (Emmelina monodactyla); 1 * Bishop's Mitre (Aelia acuminata); 2 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 1 * Waisted Bee Grabber (Physocephala rufipes); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 1 * Snail Killing Fly (Coremacera marginata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 3 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 3 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 5 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 15 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 3 * Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 3 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 5 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator); 3 * Small Red Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma viridulum); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 3 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io) and a few gatherings of Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

The bird list that I kept was comprised of 10 species:- Magpie; Long Tailed Tit; Mallard; Grey Heron; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Collared Dove; Goldfinch; Moorhen and Carrion Crow.

6 oddments added were:- Rough Woodlouse; Shiny Woodlouse; Green Cellar Slug; Netted Slug; 1* Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg) and 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii).

With 17 fungal examples seen the end tally was 234 species. I think the cuppas at the end were well deserved.

23rd July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A busy day at work, the dinner break was spent reading a horror novel, 'Hell House' - very nice. I took a different route home but didn't dawdle, I saw signs of the developing larvae of the fly (Botanophila seneciella) - it was quite plentiful in the heads of Common Ragwort.

I also saw:- Mugwort; Tufted Vetch; Great Willowherb; Red Clover; Black Medick and Restharrow in flower.

The small smattering on insects recorded were:- 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 5 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata) and 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

22nd July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - An afternoon tidy and the clearing out of a few insects, these were:- Bee Moth (*1); Bird Cherry Ermine (*3); Riband Wave f. remutata (*1); Marbled Beeauty (*1); CRambus pascuella (*1); Common Emerald (*1) and Box Moth (*1) plus 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula rufina).

22nd July 2024 - Bruntwood Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early morning walk, a coffee and back home for 11am in time to do some tidying and see to the window man. Despite it being early and the clouds hanging low I saw a few insects:- 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 3 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 18 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 37 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 8 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 7 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 7 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis); 4 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 3 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae); 3 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Notch Horned Cleg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) and a few good gatherings of Horse Chestnut Leaf Miners (Cameraria ohridella).

The few Galls recorded today were:- Cynips longiventris; Mikiola fagi; Hartigiola annulipes; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Trioza remota; Andricus quercuscalicis; Andricus kollari; Psyllopsis fraxinia agg and Eriophyes leiosoma.

I only pondered a few flowers today, these were:- Betony; Hogweed; Common Ragwort; Self-Heal; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yellow Rattle; Purple Loosestrife and Tufted Vetch.

21st July 2024 - Hatchmere, Cheshire - After some lunch we parked up, had a coffee and did a circular walk. Flowers in bloom were;- Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Gypsywort; Yellow Loosestrife; Hedge Woundwort; Meadowsweet; Purple Loosestrife; Hogweed; Greater Plantain; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Bittersweet; Broad Leaved Dock; Daisy; Common Ragwort; Bramble agg; Enchanter's Nightshade; Wood Avens; White Clover; Himalayan Balsam; Self-Heal; Fool's Water Cress; Silverweed; Common Valerian; Marsh Thistle; Wood Dock; Garlic Mustard; Great Willowherb; Nipplewort; Red Campion; Ribwort Plantain; Climbing Corydalis and Rosebay Willowherb.

We also saw the Galls (Dasineura ulmaria) and (Eriophyes inangulis); Pendulous Sedge and the following insects:- 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Leafhopper (Ulopa reticulata); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

21st July 2024 - Abbot's Moss, Cheshire - A walk with the missus and a catch up with local gent Paul 'Doc' Brewster. We had a right old natter and a decnt mooch. Insects were far from prolific but we did manage to record:- 10 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 14 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 5 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 2 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa); 5 * Bog Bush Cricket (Metrioptera brachyptera); 5 * Leafhopper (Ulopa reticulata); 4 * Black Darter (Sympetrum danae); 3 * Tachinid Fly (Linnaemya vulpina); 5 * Heather Bug (Kleidocerys ericae); 2 * Spiked Shieldbug (Picromerus bidens); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 3 * Common Groundhopper (Tetrix undulata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Common Blue Damselffly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Tree Damsel Bug (Himacerus apterus); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 2 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Common Heath (Ematurga atomaria); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Dock Bug nymph (Coreus marginatus); 3 * Bishop's Mitre (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Diamond Back Moth (Plutella xylostella); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata); 1 * Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola); 1 * Leafhopper (Populicerus populi agg); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Narrow Winged Pug (Eupithecia nanata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Globiceps fulvicollis); 1 * Marsh Damselbug (Nabis limbatus); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Leafhopper (Cixius nervosus) 3 * Beautiful Yellow Underwing larva (Anarta myrtilli) and 5 * Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

We also saw several stages and variations of the Four Spotted Orb Weaver (Araneus quadratus) and a couple of specimens of the Jumping Spider (Evarcha arcuata). The Harvestman (Platybunus triangularis); Several Common Lizards, a Leopard Slug, Shiny and Striped Woodlouse; White Lipped Banded Snail and several baby Common Frogs were also spied as well as a Raven and a Blackbird.

We identified Colarado Spruce too, although I bet the recording authorities won't accept it.

Galls listed were:- Hartigiola annulipes; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Aceria macrochela; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Dasineura pteridis; Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus kollari; Trioza remota; Jaapiella veronicae agg and Cynips divisa.

Flowers in bloom were recorded by my good lady, these were:- Nipplewort; Goosegrass; Great Willowherb; Herb Robert; Bramble agg; Rosebay Willowherb; Red Campion; Common Ragwort; White Clover; Pineappleweed; Greater Plantain; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Musk Mallow; Spear Thistle; Hogweed; Ribwort Plantain; Creeping Thistle; Broad Leaved Dock; Self-Heal; Wood Avens; Perforate St John's-Wort; Upright Hedge Parsley; Common Centaury; Gorse; Tormentil; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Lesser Trefoil; Common Stork's-Bill; Black Medick; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Greater Burdock; Curl Leaved Dock; Dandelion agg; Yarrow; Himalayan Balsam; Enchanter's Nightshade; Elder; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Honeysuckle; Foxglove; Bush Vetch; Ground Ivy; Silverweed and Hedge Mustard.

20th July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A bit more moth as the Saturday was rammed with shopping and footy. Today's catch included:- 1 * Dark/Grey Dagger agg; 1 * Ancylis achatana; 9 * Box Moth; 6 * Swallow-Tailed Moth; 3 * Brimstone; 5 * Riband Wave f. remutata; 16 * Bird Cherry Ermine; 5 * Marbled Beauty; 2 * Carcina quercana; 3 * Clay; 3 * Bee Moth; 1 * Clouded Border; 1 * Fan-Foot; 3 * Common Rustic agg; 2 * Common Emerald; 3 * Mother of Pearl; 2 * Riband Wave; 2 * Common Plume; 1 * Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing; 1 * Light Brown Apple Moth; 1 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner; 2 * Dun-Bar; 1 * Crassa unitella; 1 * Dot Moth; 1 * The Uncertain; 1 * Acrobasis advenella; 3 * Dark Arches; 1 * Anania coronata; 1 * Apple Leaf Miner; 1 * Diamond Back Moth; 1 * Tachystola acroxantha; 1 * Early Thorn; 1 * Blastobasis adustella; 1 * Brown House Moth; 1 * Double Striped Pug; 1 * Bryotropha affinis and 1 * Water Veneer.

The trap also attracted:- 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 2 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 1 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

In the bathroom were:- 1 * Herald; 1 * Riband Wave f. remutata; 1 * Swallow-Tailed Moth and 1 * 20 Plume Moth.

19th July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - As the week was busy I chose to do some mothing to keep the species sightings rolling. The species caught in the trap were:- 1 * Ancylis achatana; 6 * Swallow-Tailed Moth; 1 * Double Lobed; 1 * Common Wave; 2 * Common Rustic agg; 6 * Brimstone; 5 * Marbled Beauty; 5 * Box Moth; 11 * Bird Cherry Ermine; 2 * Lesser Yellow Underwing; 1 * The Uncertain; 4 * Riband Wave f. remutata; 1 * Blastobasis adustella; 2 * Dun-Bar; 1 * Scarce Silver Lines; 7 * Tachystola acroxantha; 2 * Dot Moth; 1 * Purple Thorn; 1 * Diamond Back Moth; 1 * Heart and Dart; 3 * Clay; 1 * Anania coronata; 1 * Batia lunaris; 5 * Dark Arches; 1 * Clepsis consimilana; 2 * Caloptilia stigmatella; 1 * Red Barred Tortrix; 1 * Large Yellow Underwing; 1 * Common Emerald; 4 * Brown House Moth; 2 * Fan-Foot; 1 * Chrysoteuchia culmella; 1 * Bryotropha affinis; 1 * 20 Plume Moth; 1 * Snout; 1 * Crambus pascuella; 1 * Elephant Hawk-Moth and 1 * Acrobasis advenella.

Also in the trap was a Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva).

In the bathroom were:- 1 * 20 Plume Moth; 1 * Acrobasis advenella; 1 * Spectacle and 1 * 20 Plume Moth.

18th July 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - Lunch with a fine bloke and friend, a cycle and then a cuppa and a short mooch. I saw:- 1 * Ornate Tailed Digger Wasp (Cerceris rybyensis); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 2 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 30 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 8 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 8 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Green Leaf-Hopper (Cicadella viridis); 3 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * European Cinch Bug (Ischnodemus sabuleti); 2 * Hoverfly (Eristalis nemorum); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Hoverfly (Leucozona laternaria); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae) and 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis).

17th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - Another busy day at work, I was allowed to finish early after a good stint (my boss is very decent). I spent a good hour in a meadow I pass by on my way home. It is a small patch of grass, 50 metres by 30 metres at most, it is worth checking and recording at these places and, if done on a gentle way, it helps ease the carcass of its aches, pains and niggles. Today I enjoyed the company of:- 3 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 14 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 7 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 15 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 3 * Hoary Bell (Eucosma cana); 7 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 3 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Green Leaf-Hopper (Cicadella viridis); 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Phyllomya volvulus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans).

A few flowers that I paused to admire were:- Pyramidal Orchid; Goat's-Rue; Yellow Loosestrife; Purple Loosestrife; Meadow Crane's-Bill and Musk Mallow.

Quaking Grass was also enjoyed.

16th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - As the foot eases up on the gas I find that after a day a work a 30 minute mooch is always good for the soul. The clouds were threatening rain and the wind was blowing, I still had a look for a few insects and saw:- 1 * Hoary Bell (Eucosma cana); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 4 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Snail Killing Fly (Coremacera marginata); 1 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Mirid Bug (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum festivum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 2 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 4 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 17 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 5 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

15th July 2024 - Banky Meadow, Sale, G. Manchester - A good bike ride, a cuppa at the Riverside Cafe and then a meet-up with a few fine folk. I was disciplined today and only kept a tally on insects and a few other species rather than record everything. I am striving to change the approach as I want to venture into different areas and of course, not overstretch myself.

Good news came in the form of decent numbers of Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and Green Leaf-Hopper (Cicadella viridis). The insect list was made up of:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); 2 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 5 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 5 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 2 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 2 * Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus discolor); 7 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Metrioptera roeselii); 3 * European Cinch Bug (Ischnodemus sabuleti); 4 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 1 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 5 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Spiked Shieldbug (Picromerus bidens); 2 * Weevil (Cionus tuberculosus); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 5 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Golden Bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle (Agapanthia villosoviridescens); 2 * Hoverfly (Eristalis nemorum); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 3 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis); 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 3 * 14 Spot ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Nettle Pollen Bug (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassidia rubiginosa); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Leafhopper (Evacanthus interruptus); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 5 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee agg (Bombus lucorum); 1 * Broad Damselbug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 1 * Fruit Fly (Anomoia purmunda) and 3 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus).

The only other species noted were:- 2 * Spider (Larionoides cornutus); 2 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii) and the Gall (Taphrina tosquinetii).

A few plants that I did ponder were:- Common Valerian; Water Figwort; Grass Vetchling; Hoary Willowherb; Perforate St John's-Wort; Slender Tare and Common Fleabane.

14th July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A few moths in the bathroom, namely:- 1 * Common Emerald; 1 * Swallow-Tailed Moth; 2 * Fan-Foot; 1 * Small Magpie and 1 * Early Thorn. The moth trap has been sitting idle, alas this year it may stay that way.

14th July 2024 - Risley Moss, Warrington, Cheshire - A quiet walk uner grey skies. I am winding down on the wildlife front for many reasons, the key at the moment though is to get walking and catch-up on many outstanding things. Insects today were lowly although we didn't really look:- 1 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa); 15 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Common Footman (Eilema lurideola); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 1 * Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea) and 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis).

The couple of Galls seen were:- Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Chirosia betuleti and Dasineura pteridis.

Flowers in bloom were:- Ribwort Plantain; Red Campion; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Thale Cress; Dandelion agg; Wood Avens; Foxglove; Wood Dock; Rosebay Willowherb; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; Self-Heal; Hogweed; Spear Thistle; Common Nettle; Hedge Bindweed; Goosegrass; Herb Robert; Creeping Thistle; Bramble agg and Great Willowherb.

A few baby Frogs were seen too.

13th July 2024 - Didsbury, Stockport, G. Manchester - A 2 mile cycle, some jogging and then a walk around the perimeter of a sports field. The few insects seen were:- 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 11 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

A few flowers noted were:- White Clover; Red Clover; Large Bindweed; Curl Leaved Dock; Ribwort Plantain; Self-Heal; Bramble agg; Great Willowherb; Cow Parsley; Rosebay Willowherb and Meadow Crane's-Bill.

Galls picked out were:- Cynips divisa; Andricus foecundatrix; Mikiola fagi; Sphenella marginata and Euura pedunculi.

The only birds noted were:- Grey Heron; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow and Wood Pigeon.

12th July 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A day at work and then straight to the next Fungalised Night of noise, no 199 in fact. I had a brief break from the desk and recorded:- 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 3 * Mirid Bug (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) plus Garlic Mustard; White Dead Nettle and Rosebay Willowherb in flower.

11th July 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - I finished work early to get to the docs. The heart is jumping but the doc says it sounds OK, the blood pressure is not bad and all seems good - I reckon I am a victim of stress, what is new there then? Pootling back through this local park and I saw:- 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus).

Sphenella marginata and Taphrina tosquinetii were the only galls seen.

10th July 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - The recent lurgy has brought on my palpitations again, I am ruddy fed up with it. I needed a break from my work desk so went to a local churchyard and watched 4 Red Tailed Bumblebees (Bombus lapidarius) feed on White Clover.  Selfheal provided a nice colour clash and the Galls (Protomyces macrosporus) and (Euura pedunculi) were seen too. Nearby I saw a couple of Hoverflies:- Platycheirus albimanus and Melanostoma scalare as well as 12 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva) hanging around on Common Ragwort.  A lone Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa) seemed to be waiting for a bit of solar goodness (fat chance) and 2 other Galls were noted, these being:- Sphenella marginata and Aceria fraxinivora.  Just down the road I spied 3 Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) before putting a spring in the step.

9th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking home and I had a check of a back alley I keep some records. Today the small area produced the following colourful blooms:- Feverfew; Hedge Woundwort; Spear Thistle; Bramble agg; Purple Toadflax; Wild Strawberry; Herb Robert; Sweet Chestnut; Greater Plantain; Creeping Buttercup; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Common Nettle; Shining Crane's-Bill; Wood Avens; Nipplewort; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Common Ragwort; Broad Leaved Dock; Enchanter's Nightshade; Goosegrass; Rosebay Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Welsh Poppy; Garlic Mustard and Green Alkanet.

Insects were represented by;- 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

The Gall (Mikiola fagi) was also seen.

8th July 2024 - Sale Water Park, G. Manchester - Up early, out on the bike, a mooch and a coffee and home for 1pm.  I only checked a few areas, some were void of life and riddled with dogs and people on phones, others were tucked away and still there was evidence of great disturbance.  The green land is under the cosh that is for sure.

Insects recorded today were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Tephritis neesii); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum festivum); 1 * Snipe-Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 2 * Thick Headed Fly (Sicus ferrugineus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 3 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 5 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 10 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 4 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 8 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 8 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis); 3 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 5 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 5 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 2 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 11 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Hoverfly (Eristalinus sepulchralis); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Common Green Sheildbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * 14 Spot ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 3 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Timothy Tortrix (Aphelia paleana); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Metrioptera roeselii); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) plus an abundance of Common Blue Damselflies (Enallagma cyathigerum); a small gathering of Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae) and a Ruby Tailed Wasp (Chrysis agg).

The flower list was made up of:- Herb Robert; Ox-Eye Daisy; Hedge Bedstraw; Common Ragwort; White Clover; Spear Thistle; Tall Melilot; Wild Carrot; Hogweed; Great Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Meadow Vetchling; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Ground Elder; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Rosebay Willowherb; Bush Vetch; Common Knapweed; Tufted Vetch; Self-Heal; Hoary Willowherb; Ribwort Plantain; Meadow Buttercup; Red Clover; Perforate St John's Wort; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Black Medick; Broad leaved Dock; Daisy; Lesser Stitchwort; Hedge Woundwort; Slender Tare; Buddleia; Fox and Cubs; Wood Sage; Greater Plantain; Garlic Mustard; Wood Avens; Hedge Mustard; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Pineappleweed; Nipplewort; Enchanter's Nightshade; Himalayan Balsam; Common Figwort; Creeping Buttercup; Gypsywort; Wood Dock; Elder; Goosegrass; Greater Burnet; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Meadowsweet; Skullcap; Broad Leaved Dock and Marsh Woundwort.

The few birds I noted were:- Mute Swan; Reed Bunting; Common Tern; Magpie; Jay and a couple of Ravens.

The only Galls listed were Eriophyes inangulis and Dasineura kiefferiana.

7th July 2024 - Idle Valley NR, Nottinghamshire - Our 3rd visit to one of our favourite sites. The weather was mixed with one downpour putting the dampers on any serious bug huntng. We had a nice time nonetheless and only got the binoculars out once, whilst in the cafe having a brew and some victuals. It weren't a bad do at all.

The flower lists comprised of:- Ribwort Plantain; Cow Parsley; Large Bindweed; Hedge Mustard; Daisy; Scarlet Pimpernel; Enchanter's Nightshade; Green Alkanet; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Yarrow; Creeping Cinquefoil; Black Horehound; Honeysuckle; Tufted Vetch; Wood Dock; Hedge Bindweed; Red Bartsia; Sweet Chestnut; Garlic Mustard; Lesser Stitchwort; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Lesser Trefoil; Teasel; Meadow Buttercup; Hop Trefoil; Goat's-Beard; Pineappleweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Parsley Piert; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Brooklime; Biting Stonecrop; Wild Privet; Wood Sage; Herb Robert; Marjoram; New Zealand Pygmyweed; Common Field Speedwell; Monkeyflower; Common Vetch; Common Fleabane; Spear Thistle; Crosswort; Greater Plantain; Yellow-Rattle; Red Clover; Gypsywort; Buddleia; Dandelion agg; White Dead Nettle; Lesser Burdock; Wood Avens; Marsh Thistle; Ragged Robin; Common Centaury; Yellow-Wort; Field Pepperwort; Hare's-Foot Clover; Small Flowered Crane's-Bill; Curl Leaved Dock; Common Knapweed; Ox-Eye Daisy; Germander Speedwell; Common Poppy; Hogweed; Red Campion; Rosebay Willowherb; Perforate St John's-Wort; Large Flowered Evening Primrose; Weld; Common Mouse Ear; Common Cudweed; Marsh Cudweed; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Common Knotgrass; Redshank; Hairy Tare; Creeping Buttercup; Upright Hedge Parsley; Field Pansy; White Campion; Marsh Woundwort; Meadowsweet; Elder; Water Figwort; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Hoary Willowherb; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Prickly Sow Thistle; Goosegrass; Hemlock; Silverweed; Meadow Vetchling; Back Medick; Southern Marsh Orchid; Self-Heal; White Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Nettle; Common Ragwort; Creeping Thistle; Great Willowherb and Bramble agg.

The gall list comprised of:- Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Dasineura urticae; Euura proxima; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Aceria macrochela; Andricus kollari; Andricus foecundatrix; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Eriophyes inangulis; Acalitus brevitarsus; Sphenella marginata; Diplolepis rosae; Dasineura kiefferiana; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Dasineura marginemtorquens and Cynips divisa.

Insects were made up of:- 1 * Opomyzid Fly (Opomyza petrei); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 2 * Marbled Bell Moth (Eucosma campoliliana); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper nymph (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Tephritis formosa); 5 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * Four Barred Major Soldier Fly (Oxycera rara); 1 * Mirid Bug (Campyloneura virgula); 1 * Tiger Crane Fly (Nephrotoma scurra); 1 * Thick Headed Fly (Sicus ferrugineus); 5 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Roeseliana roeselii); 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma cornicina); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 7 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 7 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 5 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Pithanus maerkelii); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 2 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 7 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 3 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 2 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 5 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 2 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 4 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 2 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum festivum); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 3 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Blood-Vein (Timandra comae); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Chorthippus parallelus); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) and 3 * Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

The few bird species listed were:- Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Goldfinch; Reed Warbler; Carrion Crow; Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Moorhen; Jackdaw; Skylark; Chiffchaff; Mallard; Blackbird; Kestrel; Swift and Dunnock.

The extras added were:- 2 * Rabbit; White Lipped Banded Snail; Garden Snail; Greater Reedmace; Cock's-Foot Grass; Amber Snail; Brown Lipped Snail and Shiny Woodlouse.

6th July 2024 - Bevercotes Pit Wood, Retford, Nottinghamshire - The last port of call, a circular walk with the wind whipping. We didn't keep an intensive list but the few insects noted were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Box Bug (Gonocerus acuteangulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 3 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 8 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 7 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni) and 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica).

Flowers pondered were:- Garlic Mustard; Himalayan Balsam; Red Campion; Hemlock; Hogweed; Bramble agg; Ribwort Plantain; Foxglove; Hedge Woundwort; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Tufted Vetch; Field Bindweed; Creeping Cinquefoil; Shining Crane's-Bill; Wild Carrot; Common Knapweed; River Water Crowfoot; Buddleia; Yarrow; Biting Stonecrop and Perforate St John's-Wort.

We also added a Grey Wagtail; Buzzard; the Lime Gall (Eriophyes tiliae); Ram's-Horn Gall (Andricus aries); Robin's Pincushion (Diplolepis rosae) and a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

6th July 2024 - Daneshill Lakes, Torhill, Nottinghamshire - A new area and after a garden centre visit for some food and coffee we had another warm brew and made tracks. The insect list comprised of:- 1 * Kite-Tailed Robberfly (Machimus atricapillus); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 1 * Opomyzid Fly (Opomyza florum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Bracken Bug (Monalocoris filicis); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird larvae (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 5 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 10 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 10 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 5 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima); 7 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 10 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 3 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Snout (Hypena proboscidalis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Drone-Fy (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 2 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 2 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Weevil (Cionus tuberculosus) and a few Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

Also added were:- 2 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 2 * Harvestman (Leiobunum rotundum); White Lipped Banded Snail and Pendulous Sedge.

Galls listed were:- Diplolepis nervosa; Dasineura kiefferiana; Dasineura urticae; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Diplolepis eglanteriae/nervosa agg; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Andricus aries; Taphrina alni; Andricus foecundatrix and Eriophyes inangulis.

The flower list was made up of:- Agrimony; Hogweed; Herb Robert; Hedge Woundwort; Bramble agg; Great Willowherb; Buddleia; Creeping Buttercup; Common Figwort; Rosebay Willowherb; Foxglove; Marsh Thistle; Perforate St John's-Wort; Bittersweet; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Red Campion; Wood Avens; Enchanter's Nightshade; Ribwort Plantain; Daisy; Upright Hedge Parsley; Common Ragwort; Self-Heal; Elder; Spear Thistle; Yellow-Rattle; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Curl Leaved Dock; Rosebay Willowherb; Meadow Vetchling; Wood Dock; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Common Centaury; White Clover; Lesser Trefoil; Hemlock; Meadowsweet; Creeping Cinquefoil; Skullcap; Lesser Burdock; Common Mallow; New Zealand Pygmyweed; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Tufted Vetch; Common Toadflax; Nipplewort; Wild Strawberry; Marsh Woundwort; Scarlet Pimpernel; Canadian Fleabane; Hoary Willowherb; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill and Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil.

We also added:- Swallow; Tufted Duck; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; House Martin; Mallard; Moorhen; Carrion Crow; Dunnock; Coot; Feral Greylag Goose; Great Tit and Wren.

6th July 2024 - Conisbrough Castle, Doncaster, N. Yorkshire - We set off early and had a lovely sun-soaked pootle around this fine ruin. Of course I kept an eye on the blooms, these included:- Germander Speedwell; Daisy; Broad Leaved Willowherb; White Clover; Common Nettle; Oxford Ragwort; Ground Elder; Spear Thistle; Pineappleweed; Yarrow; Marjoram; Field Scabious; Ox-Eye Daisy; Goosegrass; Bramble agg; Pellitory of the Wall; Red Valerian; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Black Medick; Dandelion agg; Self-Heal; Wall Speedwell; Creeping Buttercup; Hogweed; Creeping Cinquefoil; Creeping Thistle; Elder; Greater Plantain; Cow Parsley; Nipplewort; White Dead Nettle; Great Willowherb; Common Ragwort and Rosebay Willowherb.

We also saw the Galls (Trioza centranthi) and (Psyllopsis fraxini agg) and the following insects:- 5 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 10 * Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 12 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) and 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).

Also added were:- Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; Ash and Beech.

5th July 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - Work done, a cycle, a coffee and a short pootle before heading home. Insects seen were:- 4 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 4 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 3 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 3 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 4 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum festivum); 20 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 10 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona laternaria).

Yellow Loosestrife was now in flower.

4th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Work was finished, a coffee was had with the missus and then I cycled home and recorded a few insects in a nearby park:- 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) and 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

3rd July 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - Cycling home and a 30 minute check around the car park near Didsbury Road. It is looking like a lush area and the flowers in bloom were:- Wood Dock; Herb Robert; Meadowsweet; Creeping Buttercup; Creeping Thistle; Meadow Vetchling; Purple Loosestrife; Common Nettle; Himalayan Balsam; Dandelion agg; Lesser Trefoil; Ribwort Plantain; Great Willowherb; Bramble agg; White Clover; Wood Avens; Dotted Loosestrife; Groundsel; Hogweed; Common Ragwort; Hedge Woundwort; Meadow Buttercup; Red Campion; Buddleia; Large Bindweed; Ox-Eye Daisy; Fox and Cubs; Self-Heal; Figwort; Red Clover; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Knapweed; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Curl Leaved Dock; Broad Leaved Dock; Lady's Mantle agg; Creeping Cinquefoil; Black Medick; Hairy Tare; Common Centaury and Greater Plantain plus Teasel and Rosebay Willowherb on the cusp of flowering.

The few insects seen were:- 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

I also noted Pendulous Sedge and the Gall (Dasineura ulmaria).

1st July 2024 - Chester, Cheshire - After leading the morning walk we headed to a cafe we know, had lunch and a brdw, pootled around the shops in Chester and then counted some flowers growing alongside the river walk. The list comprised of:- Common Mallow; Perforate St John's-Wort; Black Horehound; Lesser Trefoil; Nipplewort; Green Alkanet; Hogweed; Fox and Cubs; Water Figwort; Dandelion agg; Spear Thistle; Buddleia; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Hedge Mustard; Red Clover; Oxford Ragwort; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Elder; Daisy; Common Knotrass; Groundsel; White Clover; Creeping Thistle; Meadowsweet; Monkey Flower; Himalayan Balsam; Shepherd's Purse; Common Ragwort; Marsh Woundwort; Great Willowherb; Large Bindweed; Greater Plantain; Enchanter's Nightshade; Creeping Cinquefoil; Black Medick; Yarrow; Curl Leaved Dock; Goosegrass; Hemlock; Wood Avens; Shining Crane's- Bill; Ground Elder and Canadian Fleabane.

We also saw:- Cormorant; Magpie; Swallow; Wood Pigeon; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Starling; Blackbird and House Martin plus 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum).

1st July 2024 - Caldy Valley Nature Park, Chester, Cheshire - A walk leading a fine group with the main focus being bugs and blooms. The weather was forecast rain and although the clouds hung low the first drops that fell were when we were just back at the car park - magic.

The flowers in bloom were:- Meadowsweet; Meadow Buttercup; Daisy; Great Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Hogweed; Common Nettle; White Clover; Yarrow; Red Clover; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Meadow Vetchling; Tufted Vetch; Yarrow; Yellow-Rattle; Hairy Tare; Hedge Bedstraw; Wild Carrot; Silverweed; Red Campion; Hedge Woundwort; Garlic Mustard; Elder; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Nipplewort; Cow Parsley; Wood Avens; Herb Robert; Ground Elder; Bramble agg; Pineappleweed; Comfrey agg; Bush Vetch; Common Knapweed; Purple Loosestrife; Ribwort Plantain; Himalayan Balsam; Fool's Water Cress; Brooklime; 3 Cornered Leek and Enchanter's Nightshade.

Insects were represented by:- 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 2 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 3 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 2 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 3 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 10 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 2 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Notch Horned Cleg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) and 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis).

The few galls thrown in were:- Steneotarsonemus phragmitidis; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Euura proxima; Dasineura pustulans; Dasineura urticae; Dasineura ulmaria; Agathomyia wankowiczii; Aceria macrochela; Blennocampa phyllocolpa and Cecidophyes rouhollahi.

We also added the Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); Cock's-Foot Grass; Pendulous Sedge; Common Horsetail; Hart's-Tongue Fern; Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and plenty of Amber Snails (Succinea putris).

The small bird list comprised of:- Grey Heron; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Moorhen and Mallard.

30th June 2024 - Alexandra Park, Oldham, G. Manchester - A walk with the lasses just to stretch the legs and clear the noggins. Coffee and cake, a short pootle and home. The weather was cloudy and cool, it was welcome to be fair.

The handful of galls recorded were:- Aceria tenella; Eriophyes tiliae; Aceria nervisequa; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes inangulis; Aceria macrochela; Acalitus stenaspis and Eriophyes leiosoma.

Flowers in bloom were:- Wall Lettuce; Common Ragwort; Common Field Speedwell; Self-Heal; White Clover; Yellow Flag Iris; Purple Loosestrife; Marsh Woundwort; Greater Willowherb; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Goosegrass; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Wood Avens; Ribwort Plantain; Large Bindweed; Bramble agg; Elder; Lesser Trefoil; Himalayan Balsam; Hedge Woundwort; Hogweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Creeping Thistle; Tufted Vetch; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Red Clover; Bush Vetch; Germander Speedwell; Nipplewort; Yellow Rattle; Ox-Eye Daisy; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Curl Leaved Dock; Thale Cress; Pineappleweed; Procumbent Pearlwort; Common Mouse Ear; Foxglove; Ground Elder; Greater Plantain; Shepherd's Purse and Groundsel.

The only insects noted were:- 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

The only birds added were:- Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Robin; Magpie; Coot; Moorhen; Feral Pigeon; Wood Pigeon and Grey Heron - there were more more my listing today was secondary.

29th June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A few moths were in the bathroom, these were:- Bee Moth (*2); Brimstone (*1); Small Dusty Wave (*1); Scalloped Oak (*1) and Riband Wave f. remutata (*1). Also in the mix was the Crane-Fly (Tipula rufina).

29th June 2024 - Manor Park, Glossop, Derbyshire - A terse walk with the missus before a pootle around the local shops. Flowers in bloom were:- Herb Robert; Common Nettle; Wood Avens; Creeping Buttercup; Hogweed; Welsh Poppy; Bramble agg; Daisy; Groundsel; Hedge Woundwort; Shepherd's Purse; Nipplewort; Ground Elder; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Ribwort Plantain; Meadow Buttercup; White Clover; Self-Heal; Foxglove; Cow Parsley; Goosegrass; Marsh Thistle; Himalayan Balsam and Green Alkanet.

The few galls noted were:- Pseudomicrostroma juglandis; Dasineura urticae; Taxomyia taxi; Eriophyes tiliae; Eriophyes leiosoma; Eriophyes exilis; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Aceria erinea; Aceria nervisequa; Acalitus stenaspis; Trioza remota; Eriophyes inangulis; Acalitus brevitarsus and Eriophyes laevis.

Insects were few, the ones seen were:- 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae); 4 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae) and 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus).

The few birds recorded were:- Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Moorhen; Feral Pigeon; Jackdaw; Tufted Duck; Black Headed Gull; Mallard and Blackbird.

28th June 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short stretch of the Mersey was recorded at before the legs started whirring and I dashed for home. I saw a few insects:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Picture Winged Fly (Tephritis bardanae); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * (Apis mellifera); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 1 * Southern Silver Stiletto Fly (Cliorismia rustica); 2 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

Also added were 7 Swifts, a few Black Headed Gulls and a Mandarin Duck. Greater Burnet and Hedge Bedstraw were now in flower.

28th June 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A blood test at the doctors, a soaking in the rain and then the good lady dropped me off at work. No phones, no computer connection so a quick tidy and a long walk to Didsbury. Breakfast and a coffee, a walk around this well-known area - my feet ended up sodden, the weather was iffy but I saw the following insects:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Notch Horned Cleg (Haematopota pluvialis); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis); 3 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 3 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 4 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Face Fly (Musca autumnalis); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 8 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 6 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 4 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 25 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 5 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 7 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Timothy Tortrix (Zelotherses paleana); 2 * Leafhopper (Evacanthus interruptus); 6 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 4 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona laternaria); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Click Beetle (Hemicrepidius hirtus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum).

The only flowers recorded were:- Purple Loosestrife; Brooklime; Wood Dock; Broad Leaved Dock; Curl Leaved Dock; Hoary Willowherb and Great Willowherb.

A couple of large Leopard Slugs (Limax maximus) were enjoyed along with 4 Jays.

26th June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Off work feeling full of the viral shittery. A Light Brown Apple moth was in the front garden, a Fan-Foot, Riband Wave f. remutata; Tachystola acroxantha; Bright Line, Brown Eye, Bee-Moth and Willow Beauty were on the bathroom wall and a few House Sparrows fed on the garden greenfly - that was it for the day, the head was a mass of fog.

25th June 2024 - Flint Castle, Flintshire - Another walk led, this being another for the Signpost adult carers. We pootled around the castle, had a walk along the coast and through the woods and done. Nothing too intense was had, it was just nice to get some good folk out and away from their stressful situations. The flowers I noted that were in bloom were:- Oxford Ragwort; Sea Milkwort; Buddleia; Bramble agg; White Clover; Red Clover; Ground Elder; Lesser Trefoil; Herb Robert; Nipplewort; Large Bindweed; Creeping Cinquefoil; Meadow Buttercup; Tufted Vetch; Sea Plantain; Thrift; Meadow Vetchling; Creeping Thistle; Foxglove; Sea Beet; Common Toadflax; Greater Sea Spurrey; Common Spotted Orchid; Bird's Foot Trefoil; Upright Hedge Parsley; Scarlet Pimpernel; Common Nettle; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Hop Trefoil and Hedge Woundwort.

Bird species picked out were:- House Martin; Swallow; Goldfinch; Wood Pigeon; Shelduck; Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Oystercatcher and Blackbird.

Again, the insects were not around, all I saw were:- 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

24th June 2024 - Parsonage Gardens, G. Manchester - I needed a break cycling home, I was fagged and sweaty. Coughing and sneezing and swilling juice to cool down I noted:- 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 3 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana) and 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).

24th June 2024 - Bridgewater Canal, Stretford, G. Manchester - A cycle and after a 150 metre walk down the canal I had to turn back. I was out of gas, the virus was getting to me so a coffee was needed. During the short stretch I did a spot of half-arsed botanising, the blooms noted were:- Red Clover; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yarrow; Wood Avens; Red Campion; Hedge Bedstraw; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Herb Robert; Ribwort Plantain; Daisy; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Cow Parsley; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Hogweed; Buddleia; Common Nettle; Goosegrass; Large Bindweed; Multi-Flowered Rose; Self-Heal; Common Comfrey; Creeping Buttercup; White Clover; Broad Leaved Dock; Dandelion agg; Bramble agg; Greater Celandine; Ground Elder; Pineappleweed; Rosebay Willowherb; Himalayan Balsam; Creeping Thistle; Lesser Trefoil; Common Ragwort; Spear Thistle; Common Knapweed; Southern Marsh Orchid and Wild Carrot.

The only insects seen were:- 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) and 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).

Also added were a few birds:- Swift; House Sparrow; Feral Pigeon and Carrion Crow.

23rd June 2023 - Appleton Meadows and Woodland/Grappleton Wall Gardens, Cheshire - I was leading walk 470 today, I was still under the weather and in the heat was not at full-steam but, a few folk turned up, we pootled on and during the walk proper we saw the following insects:- 1 * Great Blackclock Beetle (Pterostichus niger); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Four Barred Knapweed Gall Fly (Urophora quadrifasciata); 1 * Notch-Horned Clegg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus); 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus vestalis); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 3 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Cinnamon Bug (Corizus hyoscyami); 2 * Welsh Chafer (Hoplia philanthus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug nymph (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper nymph (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 2 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 3 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 5 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 2 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 3 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigra) and a small gathering of Peacock larvae (Aglais io).

My flower list keeping was sketchy but I did note:- Red Clover; Dandelion agg; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Lesser Trefoil; Self-Heal; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Bramble agg; Herb Robert; Garlic Mustard; Red Campion; Foxglove; Hogweed; Grass Vetchling; Giant Hogweed; Nipplewort; Prickly Sow Thistle; Shepherd's Purse; Tufted Vetch; Common Field Speedwell; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Common Knapweed and Goosegrass.

The few galls pondered were:- Aceria nervisequa; Acalitus stenaspis; Eriophyes leiosoma; Aceria cephalonea; Biorhiza pallida; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Andricus kollari; Trioza remota and Eriophyes crataegi.

Other additions included:- White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum) and (Opilio canestrinii).

We also added Sweet Vernal Grass and Pendulous Sedge.

The only birds recorded were:- Common Buzzard; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Robin and Magpie.

After a trip to the local cafe, a good chat and wind down we pootled around a small art exhibition and then had a short wander around the gardens. To the days tally we added a few more insect species:- 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 1* Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata); 1 * Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Red Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator); 3 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 3 * Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) and 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata).

Elder; Dotted Loosestrife; Greater Celandine; Skullcap; Yellow Water Lily; Meadowsweet; Yellow Flag Iris; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Hemp Agrimony; Bird's Foot Trefoil and Groundsel were all in bloom with Procumbent Pearlwort now producing seeds.

Eriophyes inangulis, a Smooth Newt; Common Frog; Branched Bur Reed; Moorhen and Coot were the final things jotted down.

22nd June 2024 - Highfield CP, Levenshulme, G. Manchester - Full of the lurgy and aching all over, I had the first of two walks to lead this weekend and by heck it was hard getting up. 3 hours in the field with a fine bunch, a gentle pootle with nothing to intense indulged in. The insects were noticeable by their absence, it was shocking to see. We cracked on the though, the weather was kind and we saw:- 1 * Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 4 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Garden Chafer (Phyllopertha horticola); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Hoverfly (Parhelophilus frutetorum); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) and 10 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi).

Galls added included:- Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Trioza remota; Andricus aries; Andricus lignicola; Andricus kollari and Eriophyes inangulis.

Flowers listed were:- Yellow-Rattle; Bee Orchid; Creeping Buttercup; Daisy; Common Nettle; Shepherd's Purse; Bramble agg; Hogweed; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Bush Vetch; Common Vetch; Black Medick; White Clover; Large Bindweed; Meadow Buttercup; Red Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Claridge Druce’s Crane’s-Bill; Garlic Mustard; Elder; Dandelion agg; Ox-Eye Daisy; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Red Campion; Silverweed; Meadow Vetchling and Goat's-Beard.

Oddments added were:- Cock's-Foot Grass (Dactylis glomerata); Crested Dog's Tail (Cynosurus cristatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and 2 Common Frogs (Rana temporaria).

The only birds I picked out were a Blackbird and a Magpie, it kinda says how I was struggling to concentrate.

21st June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A bit more mothing with a poor showing once again. Species recorded were:- Heart and Dart (*2); Scalloped Oak (*1); Uncertain (*1); Brown House Moth (*2); Riband Wave f. remutata (*1); Notocelia trimaculana (*1); Buff Ermine (*1) and Tachystola acroxantha (*2).

21st June 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A cycle, a coffee, a sprawl on a bench and read which nearly saw me nod off. The ass was shaken and I strolled home and recorded a few insects:- 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 4 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 10 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 4 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 3 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 8 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 4 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 3 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) and 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata).

A few flowers noted in bloom were:- Brooklime; Pick-A-Back Plant; Himalayan Balsam and Enchanter's Nightshade.

The few galls listed were:- Dasineura urticae; Dasineura ulmaria and Dasineura pustulans.

20th June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A bit of mothing with a Swallow-Tailed Moth and Scalloped Oak in the bathroom and the trap holding the paltry smattering of:- Brimstone (*1); Snout (*1); Dark Arches (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*2); Brown House Moth (*1); Fan-Foot (*1) and Lozotaenia forsterana (*1).

17th June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - 4 moths in the bathroom, Tachystola acroxantha; Flame Carpet; Light Emerald and Small Magpie - a small mix in a year that has seen the lepidopterans get hammered.

Later in the day I did some gardening, I saw singles of:- Common Nettle Groundbug (Heterogaster urticae); Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) and 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

17th June 2024 - Didsbury Park, G. Manchester - A second coffee of the day, why not indeed. I say and slurped and had a read. I did note 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and a new Gall (Aceria genistae) - what a lovely bonus.

17th June 2024 - Chorlton Park, G. Manchester - A quick veer off course whilst heading home. A few sightings on a dreary day included:- Black Locust in flower; Whitebeam in fruit; Silver Birch with catkins; Horse Chestnut in fruit and Hogweed in lovely flower.

The few insects recorded were:- 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 5 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

Dasineura urticae; Andricus lignicola; Aceria fraxinivora and Eriophyes sorbi.

4 Starlings and 1 Blackbird completed the small list.

17th June 2024 - Longford Park, Stretford, G. Manchester - A good cycle, a casual pootle and a coffee. The flowers in bloom were:- Ox-Eye Daisy; Greater Plantain; Welsh Poppy; Prickly Sow Thistle; Foxglove; Hogweed; Ground Elder; Hedge Mustard; Red Dead Nettle; Garlic Mustard; Groundsel; Pineappleweed; Red Clover; Common Vetch; Meadowsweet; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Ribwort Plantain; Yellow Flag Iris; Common Figwort; Self-Heal; Daisy; Goosegrass; Green Alkanet; Common Valerian; Wood Avens; Elder; Purple Toadflax; Common Nettle; Creeping Buttercup; Broad Leaved Dock; White Clover; Meadow Buttercup; Black Medick; Bittersweet; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Bramble agg; Herb Robert and Nipplewort.

Galls listed were:- Acalitus stenaspis; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Euura pedunculi; Iteomyia capreae; Eriophyes exilis; Contarinia tiliarum; Hartigiola annulipes; Trioza remota; Mikiola fagi and Eriophyes leiosoma.

The small bird list was made up of:- Chaffinch; MIstle Thrush; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Ring Necked Parakeet; Carrion Crow and Blackbird.

Insects were not playing in the slightly chilled weather but I did record:- 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Black Snipe-Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 4 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

16th June 2024 - Strensham Services, Worcestershire - The second stop-off on the way home, a coffee and a stretch of the legs with a few records had. Galls listed were:- Dasineura fraxini; Psyllopsis fraxini; Aceria macrochela and Aceria myriadeum.

Birds noted were few:- Rook; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon and Goldfinch.

Flowers in bloom included:- Daisy; Bittersweet; Elder; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Chickweed; Groundsel; Lesser Trefoil; Ribwort Plantain; Wall Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Hedge Bindweed; Greater Periwinkle; Creeping Cinquefoil; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill and Knotted Hedge Parsley.

The few insect species noted were:- 2 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and a gathering of Parent Bug nymphs (Elasmucha grisea).

16th June 2024 - Cartgate Picnic Area/Services, Somerset - The last day of the trip down south, tra velling back and a stop off for a coffee and a snack. I wanted to do a bit more recorded and in a 30 minute mooch I saw the following blooms:- Daisy; Red Dead Nettle; Self-Heal; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; White Clover; Groundsel; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Common Nettle; Common Ragwort; White Dead Nettle; Red Campion; Creeping Cinquefoil; Yarrow; Ox-Eye Daisy; Cow Parsley; Hedge Woundwort; Elder; Marsh Thistle; Hemlock; Garlic Mustard; Creeping Buttercup; Wood Avens; Ribwort Plantain; Ground Ivy; Meadow Buttercup and Spear Thistle plus Procumbent Pearlwort in seed.

Also added were Field Maple; Ash; Herring Gull; Swift; Magpie and the Galls:- Psyllopsis fraxini; Eriophyes inangulis and Eriophyes sorbi.

15th June 2024 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A day on the island, the weather was up, down and settled. The few insects noted were:- 1 * Soft-Winged Flower Beetle (Psilothrix viridicoerulea); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 3 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1* Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus discolor); 1 * Hoverfly (Scaeva pyrastri); 2 * Malachite Beetle (Cordylepherus viridis); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 2 * Down Shieldbug nymph (Canthophorus impressus); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Scarce Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura pumilio); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa);1 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Grey Bush Cricket nymph (Platycleis albopunctata); 1 * Fruit Fly (Urophora stylata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolobrata); Ox-Tongue Conch Moth (Neocochylis molliculana) and oodles of Shore Bristletails (Petrobius maritimus).

The birds noted were:- Raven; Herring Gull; Starling; Guillemot; Razorbill; Fulmar; Linnet; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; House Sparrow; Great Black Backed Gull; Manx Shearwater; Gannet; Goldfinch; Pied Wagtail; and Rock Pipit.

I pondered just a few flowers, these were:- Tall Melilot; Wild Privet; Lady's Bedstraw; Wild Clary; Squinancywort; Bastard Toadflax; Yellow Vetchling; Meadow Vetchling; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Greater Sea Spurrey and Rock Sea Lavender.

The only oddments added were the Spiders (Brigittea latens) and (Neoscona adianta).

14th June 2024 - Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset - A late walk in the day with the tide in. My daughter has keen eyes though and picked out:- Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella); Blue Jellyfish (Cyanea lamarckii); Sea Gooseberry (Pleurobrachia pileus); and we also saw Sugar Kelp (Saccharina latissima); Peacock's Tail Seaweed (Padina pavonica) and Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina).

Flowers noted in bloom were:- Creeping Buttercup; Wild Carrot; White Clover; Hogweed; Sea Beet; Common Nettle; Ribwort Plantain; Red Campion; Bittersweet; Bramble agg; Cow Parsley; Broad Leaved Dock; Elder; Lesser Trefoil; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Herb Robert; Ox-Eye Daisy; Spotted Medick; Common Vetch; Goosegrass; Common Sorrel; Thrift; Hedge Woundwort; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Tree Mallow; Sea Campion and Black Medick.

The only insects seen were:- 5 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa) and 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata).

The few birds seen were:- Black Headed Gull; Pied Wagtail; Wood Pigeon and Oystercatcher.

14th June 2024 - Townsend NR, Dorset - A morn spent shopping and eating in Swanage and then a visit to a reserev we hadn't been to for many a year. As is the current state of play the insect numbers were poor. The species seen included:- 2 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Chorthippus parallelus); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 7 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Cordylepherus viridis); 1 * Great Green Bush Cricket nymph (Tettigonia viridissima); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Dark Bush Cricket nymph (Pholidoptera griseoaptera); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 5 * Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus); 3 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 5 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica) and 1 * Picture Winged Fly (Herina nigrina).

Flowers in bloom were:- White Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Daisy; Red Clover; Dandelion agg; Bulbous Buttercup; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Common Mouse Ear; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bramble agg; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Germander Speedwell; Pyramidal Orchid; Common Vetch; Hedge Woundwort; Cow Parsley; Common Nettle; Stinking Iris; Salad Burnet; Herb Robert; Green Alkanet; Ox-Eye Daisy; Red Bartsia; Agrimony; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Scarlet Pimpernel; Wood Avens; Creeping Buttercup; Bee Orchid; Hoary Plantain; Common Spotted Orchid; Cowslip; Wall Speedwell; Parsley Piert; Goosegrass; Yellow-Wort; Horse-Shoe Vetch; Kidney Vetch; Pale Flax; Self-Heal; Mouse Ear Hawkweed; Meadow Buttercup; Hogweed; Field Madder and Field Bindweed.

The only other species added were;- Cock's-Foot Grass; Quaking Grass; Crested Dog's Tail; the Spider (Brigittea latens); Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); White Garden Snail (Theba pisana); Pointed Snail (Cochlicella acuta); Pill Woodlice (Armadillidium vulgare); the Galls (Jaapiella veronicae) and (Diplolepis nervosa) and Jackdaw; Greenfinch and Chaffinch.

13th June 2024 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - The rain was due, we had a couple of hours at a fave area and then avoided the droplets by going for some grub at Portland Heights. The wind was blowing and so insects were few:- 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 7 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Yellow-Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata); 2 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) and 2 * Garden Tiger Moth larvae (Arctia caja).

We didn't carry our binoculars today but we did pick out:- Oystercatcher; Herring Gull; Little Egret; Kestrel; Skylark; Herring Gull; Carrion Crow and Linnet.

Blooms observed:- Red Valerian; Daisy; Sea Sandwort; Common Stork's-Bill; Scarlet Pimpernel; Wild Celery; Knotted Hedge Parsley; Pellitory of the Wall; Shrubby Sea Blite; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bittersweet; Common Mouse Ear; Grass Vetchling; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Wild Leek; Hairy Tare; Goosegrass; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Biting Stonecrop; Thrift; Field Bindweed; Yellow-Rattle; Pyramidal Orchid; Common Knapweed; Lady's Bedstraw; Groundsel; Curled Leaved Dock; Viper's Bugloss; Restharrow; Hogweed; Yellow-Wort; Bee Orchid; Sea Plantain; Red Clover; Yarrow; Wild Carrot; Hop Trefoil; Black Medick; Ox-Eye Daisy; Kidney Vetch; Tree Mallow; White Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Slender Thistle; Dandelion agg and Ribwort Plantain.

The only extras were:- 1 * Blenny; 2 * Beadlet Anemone; 4 * Shore Crab and many Sandhoppers (Talitrus saltator) plus several Modest Barnacles (Austrominius modestus).

12th June 2024 - Eype Cliffs, Bridport, Dorset - The second call off of the day after a late start. We had a short walk along the pebble beach, explored the waters and I had a mooch on the lower cliffs to see if I could see the cripplingly rare Cliff Tiger Beetle (Cylindera germanica). With a few tumbles and huffs and puffs I found one example - what a poppet.

The few other insects seen were:- 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Roeseliana roeselii). 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina).

The few flowers noted were:- Kidney Vetch; Southern Marsh Orchid; Bladder Campion; Wild Carrot; Scarlet Pimpernel; Hop Trefoil; Trailing St John's-Wort; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hogweed; Thrift; Ribwort Plantain; Red Campion; Greater Sea Spurrey; Daisy and Dandelion agg.

Also added was a sun-bathing Adder - smashing it was too. The sightings were finalised with a Strawberry Anemone:- and Blackbird (*1); House Martin (*3) and Magpie (*3).

We found some clonking Common Prawns (Palaemon serratus) too.

12th June 2024 - Jellyfields and Bothenhampton Nature Reserve, Bridport, Dorset - After a morn eatng and wandering around Bridport Market we decided to do some wildlife recording at a new area. The insect list was made up of:- 1 * Face Fly (Musca autumnalis); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx vittata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Longhorn Beetle (Grammoptera ruficornis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 14 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Picture Winged Fly (Herina lugubris); 2 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabarata); 1 * Stripe Backed Snail-Killer (Limnia unguicornis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 3 * Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 47 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * 24 Spot Ladybird (Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida viridis); 1 * Denticulate Leatherbug (Coriomeris denticulatus); 1 * Flower Longhorn Beetle (Stenurella melanura); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket (Roeseliana roeselii); 1 * Dark Bush Cricket nymph (Pholidoptera griseoaptera); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 3 * Malachite Beetle (Cordylepherus viridis); 1 * Woundwort Shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimus); 1 * Deer Tick (Ixodes sp); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 2 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 1 * Yellow-Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata) and 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata).

Flowers in bloom were:- Hogweed; Creeping Buttercup; Herb Robert; Black Bryony; Cow Parsley; Stinking Iris; Common Nettle; Red Clover; White Clover; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Pyramidal Orchid; Whistling Jack; Comfrey agg; Field Bindweed; Angelica; Lambs-Ears; Meadow Buttercup; Hedge Mustard; Large Bindweed; Spotted Medick; Nipplewort; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Ground Ivy; White Dead Nettle; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Goosegrass; Elder; Meadow Vetchling; Prickly Sow Thistle and Creeping Cinquefoil.

Extras included:- Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) and Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum).

The only birds seen were:- Chiffchaff; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Wren; Great Tit; Raven; Goldfinch and Swallow.

As well as the above we added the Gall (Psyllopsis fraxini agg); Pendulous Sedge; a Spindle Tree in fruit and Hart's Tongue Fern.

11th June 2024 - Middlebere Heath, Dorset - The final walk of the day, we were looking for tiny flowers and it was hard work, especially as we were getting a trifle fagged. The small species list was:- Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Bird's-Foot; Lesser Trefoil; Hop Trefoil; Eyebright sp; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Heath Speedwell; Germander Speedwell; Knotted Clover; Wall Speedwell; Ribwort Plantain; Hare's-Foot Clover; White Clover; Rough Clover; Daisy; Common Stork's-Bill; Sheep's Sorrel; Lesser Stitchwort; Foxglove; Common Vetch; Red Clover; Heath Bedstraw and Common Nettle.

The only insects seen were:- 4 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Chorthippus parallelus); 1 * Broom Leaf Beetle (Gonioctena olivacea); 1 * Bracken Bug (Ditropis pteridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

We also added 2 Garden Snails (Cornu aspersum) and a Carrion Crow plus the Lichens:- Ramalina fastigiata and Xanthoria parietina.

11th June 2024 - Priory Meadow, Wareham, Dorset - A coffee, a town walk, a picnic - I saw a few species at this small area that we have visited before. 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Dark Bush Cricket nymph (Pholidoptera griseoaptera); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni) and 1 * Common Green Colonel Soldier Fly (Oplodontha viridula).

Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Hogweed; Bramble agg; Herb Robert; White Dead Nettle; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; Wood Avens; Common Mallow; Goosegrass; Spotted Medick; Hemlock Water Dropwort and Biting Stonecrop.

Black Headed Gull; Starling; Mallard; Mute Swan and Jackdaw were the only birds seen and Dasineura fraxini; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Dasineura urticae and Cecidophyes rouhollahi.

11th June 2024 - Hartland Moor, Dorset - A walk at a site we know well. It was ruddy hard work today. We recorded a few flowers:- Ribwort Plantain; Heath Speedwell; Daisy; White Clover; Bramble agg; Dandelion agg; Lesser Trefoil; Common Mouse Ear; Lesser Spearwort; Sheep's Sorrel; Tormentil; Silverweed; Creeping Buttercup; Germander Speedwell; Red Clover; Round Leaved Sundew; Oblong Leaved Sundew; Greater Stitchwort; Eyebright agg and Bog Pimpernel.

Insects were struggling, the only ones seen were:- 1 * Pine Shoot Moth (Rhyacionia buoliana); 2 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 1 * Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 3 * Broom Leaf Beetle (Calomicrus circumfusus); 1 * Leafhopper (Ulopa reticulata); 1 * Tawny Cockroach (Ectobius pallidus); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Chorthippus parallelus); 3 * Heather Groung Bug (Kleidocerys ericae); 1 * Heath Damsel Bug (Nabis ericetorum); 5 * Silver Studded Blue (Plebejus argus); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus) and 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima).

Bird species seen:- Linnet; Stonechat; Magpie; Pheasant and Carrion Crow.

Also added Broad Bordered Orb Weaver (Neoscona adianta); 1 * Smooth Snake and 1 * Orb Weaver (Araneus angulatus) plus Heath Rush (Juncus squarrosus) and Reindeer Moss (Cladonia portentosa).

11th June 2024 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A quick pootle at a pond before we set off for the day. 5 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) were the only species seen with the Obs traps exposing a few Garden Tigers and a fine Magpie Moth.

10th June 2024 - Stoborough Heath, Dorset - The final place of the day, a short jaunt with the cloud building and the wind rising. We saw 2 cracking Smooth Snakes, found a wonderful sprawl of Dodder and added a few flowers in bloom, these being:- Garlic Mustard; Trailing St John's-Wort; Rough Clover; Bog Asphodel; Heath Spotted Orchid; Foxglove; Sheep's Sorrel; Herb Robert and Daisy. Round Leaved Sundew was observed too.

The insects species seen were:- 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Black Tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) and 1 * Small Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion tenellum).

The only bird seen was a Jackdaw.

10th June 2024 - Poole Park, Poole, Dorset - A trip to a public park, a lovely walk. A few birds seen were:- Canada Goose; Tufted Duck; Herring Gull; Mute Swan; Feral Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Starling; Jackdaw; Mallard; Collared Dove; Robin; Magpie; Moorhen; Feral Greylag Goose and Carrion Crow.

Insects seen were:- 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 2 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum).

Flowers in bloom were:- Creeping Buttercup; Purple Loosestrife; Common Nettle; Meadow Buttercup; Daisy; Thrift; Pineappleweed; Hedge Mustard; Broad Leaved Dock; Comfrey agg; Herb Robert; Goosegrass; Large Bindweed; Lesser Trefoil; Bramble agg; Bittersweet; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Common Centaury; Hairy Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Wall Speedwell; Yellow-Flag; Hedge Woundwort; Wood Avens; Common Knapweed; Purple Loosestrife; Dandelion agg; Hemp Agrimony; Privet; Creeping Thistle; Foxglove; Hedge Woundwort; Nipplewort; Scarlet Pimpernel; Redshank; Creeping Cinquefoil; Tamarisk; Buck's-Horn Plantain; Lesser Sea Spurrey; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Hogweed; Meadow Vetchling; Shepherd's Purse and Procumbent Pearlwort.

The only Galls noted were:- Eriophyes inangulis; Eriophyes exilis; Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Cecidophyes rouhollahi.

I did note a nice Walnut Tree; Wall Barley and Pendulous Sedge. We also added some young Mullets and 30 * Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita). A Grey Squirrel was the final addition.

10th June 2024 - Luscombe Valley NR, Poole, Dorset - The second location of the day, we had a right pootle at a small reserve and only saw two people all day. Insects recorded were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Thick Headed Fly (Sicus ferrugineus); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper nymph (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pallida); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Black Snail Beetle (Phosphuga atrata); 1 * Slender Horned Leather Bug (Ceraleptus lividus); 2 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Pseudochorthippus parallelus); 3 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * MIrid Bug (Neolygus viridis); 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Black Tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Gold Ribbon Argent Moth (Argyresthia brockeella); 1 * Mirid Bug (Acetropis gimmerthalii); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 2 * Common Wave (Cabera exanthemata); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Common Groundhopper (Tetrix undulata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema trispinosa); 1 * Small Semaphore Fly (Rivellia syngenesiae); 1 * Soldier Fly (Cantharis rustica); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 2 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 2 * Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 3 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 7 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 2 * Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus discolor); 1 * Mullein Moth Caterpillar (Cucullia verbasci); 5 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Mirid Bug (Closterotomus trivialis); 3 * Malachite Beetle (Cordylepherus viridis); 1 * Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis); 1 * Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima) and 3 * Grey Bush Cricket nymph (Platycleis albopunctata).

The flower list was made up of:- Whitebeam; Tormentil; Hairy Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Wood Avens; Buck's-Horn Plantain; Tamarisk; Groundsel; Scarlet Pimpernel; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Lesser Trefoil; Red Clover; White Clover; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Common Figwort; Pale Flax; Common Vetch; Lesser Stitchwort; Yarrow; Foxglove; Bramble agg; Honeysuckle; Ribwort Plantain; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Black Medick; Wild Carrot; Lesser Spearwort and Sea Plantain.

We also saw a Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); a Black Headed Gull; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; a Slow Worm; White Legged Snake Millipede; Crested Dog's-Tail; Pendulous Sedge; Giant Horsetail and the Galls:- Lipara lucens; Andricus kollari; Steneotarsonemus phragmitidis and Euura pedunculi. We also saw the Cricket Bat Spider (Mangora acalypha).

10th June 2024 - Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset - The first call off of the day, a walk on a sandy beach, a coffee and a gentle look at a few species. Herring Gull; Black Headed Gull; Carrion Crow and 2 Sandwich Terns were the few birds seen, with a few flowers thrown in being:- Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Dandelion agg; Sea Bindweed; Danish Scurvygrass; Lesser Trefoil; Sea Plantain; Buck's-Horn Plantain; Large Flowered evening Primrose agg; Hedge Bindweed; Tamarisk and Bird's-Foot Clover.

Several Beadlet Anemones were also picked out.

9th June 2024 - Portland Bill, Dorset - The first day of a short break and upon arrival at the LIghthouse we were fagged. a 1 hour stroll is all we could manage before we spent time chatting with some good friends.

Insects seen were:- 1 * Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus fuscus ); 3* Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 15 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 3 * Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Yellow-Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata).

The flower list was made up of:- Yellow-Wort; White Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Wild Privet; Ribwort Plantain; Pyramidal Orchid; Common Sorrel; Scarlet Pimpernel; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Eyebright agg; Red Bartsia; Agrimony; Daisy; Honeysuckle; Hogweed; Bittersweet; Meadow Vetchling; Hoary Plantain; Hop Trefoil; Bee Orchid; Hairy Tare; Lesser Trefoil; Wild Carrot; Common Broomrape; Stinking Iris; Bulbous Buttercup; Vipers Bugloss; Creeping Cinquefoil; Red Valerian and Curled Leaved Dock.

I also added Crested Dog's-Tail Grass, a Common Buzzard, 2 Goldfinches and a Carrion Crow.

9th June 2024 - Maunsel Lock, Bridgewater and Taunton Canal, Somerset - A day after another gig, we were all shattered but after a good drive and fine cafe visit we had a short pootle down the canal. The insects seen were:- 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 3 * Black Tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 7 * Dark Bush Cricket nymph (Pholidoptera griseoaptera); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 6 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 4 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 3 * Hoverfly (Eristalis nemorum); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 6 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis) and 1 Oak Eggar larva (Lasiocampa quercus).

Flowers in bloom were:- Hemlock Water Dropwort; Goosegrass; Bittersweet; Meadow Buttercup; Ribwort Plantain; Dandelion agg; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bramble agg; Yellow Flag Iris; Daisy; Elder; Germander Speedwell; Hedge Woundwort; Herb Robert; Common Nettle; Bush Vetch; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Creeping Thistle; Black Bryony; Yellow Water Lily; Ground Ivy; White Clover; White Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell; Wild Privet; Common Mallow; Large Bindweed; Common Vetch; Broad Leaved Dock; Lesser Trefoil and Water Figwort.

The small bird list comprised of:- House Sparrow; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; Robin; Mallard; Carrion Crow and Moorhen.

A couple of Galls thrown in were:- Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Aceria campestricola; Dasineura ulmaria; Eriophyes exilis; Eriophyes tiliae; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Aceria fraxinivora and Taphrina pruni.

Also added was Wall Rue; White Lipped Banded Snail and an abundance of Mistletoe plus the leaf miner (Agromyza viciae).

8th June 2024 - Ladybarn Park, G. Manchester - A new area and a short walk had with the wind blowing and the skies uncertain. We avoided the rain and before going for a coffee we saw a few insects:- 9 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 54 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis).

Flowers in bloom were:- Bramble agg; Wood Avens; Herb Robert; Ground Elder; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Goosegrass; Hedge Mustard; Cow Parsley; Elder; Shepherd's Purse; Groundsel; Thale Cress; Procumbent Pearlwort; Ribwort Plantain; White Clover; Broad Leaved Dock; Cuckooflower; Red Campion; Dandelion agg; Broad Leaved Willowherb and Welsh Poppy.

Also added were:- Hornbeam; Common Alder; Silver Birch; Ash; Hazel; Silver Maple; Pendulous Sedge; Cock's-Foot Grass and Striped Woodlouse.

Galls noted were:- Eriophyes inangulis; Acalitus brevitarsus; Taphrina populina; Euura proxima; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Phytoptus avellanae; Trioza remota; Taphrina pruni and Vasates quadripedes.

The only birds seen were:- Wood Pigeon; Magpie and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

7th June 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A cut down a tree-lined walkway and I recorded a few more species before wrapping up for the week and getting ready for the next Fungalised gig. 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 8 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa lacewing); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae).

7th June 2024 - Heaton Mersey Bowl, Stockport, G. Manchester - Whilst sipping a grand coffee I strolled homeward around the perimeter of this small area. I recorded:- 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 10 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 6 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Cuckooflower was still in flower.

7th June 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - Work done and a walk to a coffee shop - a new Gall was spied:- Eriophyes arianus on Whitebeam - a nice bonus.

6th June 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick check of a grassy meadow whilst cycling home. The small insect lists was:- 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius): 12 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Hoverfly (Anasimyia lineata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 4 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus) and 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa).

The flowers noted were:- Ribwort Plantain; Brambe agg; Comfrey agg; Goosegrass; Broad Leaved Dock; Salad Burnet; Common Vetch; Common Nettle; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Bush Vetch; Hogweed; Common Mouse; Yellow Flag Iris; Common Sorrel; Red Campion; Ox-Eye Daisy; Wood Avens and Red Clover.

I also saw a Greenfinch.

6th June 2024 - Alexandra Park, Moss Side, G. Manchester - A half day off work, 15 miles on the bike on top of the 3 miles in the morn helped to stretch out the back. After grabbing a coffee at this park I had a pootle - the flowers noted were:- Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Common Field Speedwell; Chickweed; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Shepherd's Purse; Bramble agg; Feverfew; Prickly Sow Thistle; Dandelion agg; Goosegrass; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Hedge Woundwort; Pineappleweed; Garlic Mustard; Common Mouse Ear; Ox-Eye Daisy; REd Campion; Herb Robert; Cow Parsley; Elder; Broad Leaved Dock; White Clover; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Cuckooflower; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Lesser Trefoil; Silverweed; Large Bindweed; Ribwort Plantain; Bush Vetch; Hedge Mustard; Groundsel; Green Alkanet and Ground Elder.

Insects recorded included:- 24 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 6 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 3 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee agg (Bombus lucorum); 3 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 6 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 18 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana) and 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

The small bird lists included the following species:- Magpie; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Coot; Feral Pigeon; Tufted Duck; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Black Headed Gull; Blackbird; Moorhen; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Grey Heron and Mistle Thrush.

The Galls seen were:- Eriophyes tiliae; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes laevis; Eriophyes inangulis; Contarinia tiliarum and Eriophyes leiosoma.

Cock's-Foot Grass; Grey Squirrel; Garlic Snail; Shiny and Striped Woodlice; Common Horsetail; Garden Snail; Large Yellow Slug and 3 Red Eared Terrapins.

5th June 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick mooch on the way home after a busy day and with a twinging back. The insect life encountered was:- 1 * Common Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 2 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni) and 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis).

Nearby were:- 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

5th June 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - And yet another nature walk with the kids from work. Somehow we avoided the rain and had a sunny time of it with a cafe visit to finish. We played games and nattered away and saw a few insects:- 5 * Strawberry Seed Beetle (Harpalus rufipes); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 3 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi) and 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum).

We found 2 Common Toads; 3 Common Frogs and 2 Smooth Newts plus a Leopard Slug.

4th June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A lift into work was needed so as to take a stack of books that needed posting and I also got a lift home after a coffee with the missus. The rain was falling, I have had enough of damp feet lately. Moths in the bathroom however were recorded, these were singles of:- Bee Moth; White Shoulder House Moth; Willow Beauty; Green Pug and Tachystola acroxantha.

3rd June 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - Less than 2 minutes from home, on the bike, is a coffee shop and a grassy area. I was up at the crack, out in dull weather and home for 10.30am. The insects recorded were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Chaetostomella cylindrica); 1 * Fruit Fly (Urophora stylata); 1 * Snail KIlling Fly (Coremacera marginata); 1 * Lauxaniid Fly (Sapromyza sexpunctata); 1 * Hoary Tortrix (Eucosma cana); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 9 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus discolor); 10 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 5 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Green Oak Tortrix (Tortrix viridana); 1 * Clover Seed Moth (Grapholita compositella); 1 * Birch Catking Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Ox-Eye Daisy Fly (Tephritis neesii); 2 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 3 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis); 5 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * White Line Pollen Moth (Micropterix aruncella); 1 * Common Damsel Bug (Nabis rugosus); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata).

The birds noted were:- Goldfinch; Greenfinch; Blackcap; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon; Starling; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Ring Necked Parakeet and Dunnock.

Galls picked out were:- Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Taphrina populina; Eriophyes leiosoma and Eriophyes sorbi.

Also added were:- Garden Snail; Brown Lipped Banded Snail; White Legged Snake Millipede; Shiny Woodlouse; Rough Woodlouse; Pendulous Sedge and Cock's-Foot Grass.

Blooms picked out were:- Scarlet Pimpernel; Hogweed; Broom; Herb Robert; Bramble agg; Common Nettle; Wood Avens; Ox-Eye Daisy; Goosegrass; Meadow Buttercup; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hedge Bedstraw; Large Bindweed; Dame's Violet; Common Vetch; Black Medick; Common Knapweed; Comfrey agg; Red Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Lesser Trefoil; Creeping Cinquefoil Meadow Vetchling; Grass Vetchling; Common Mouse Ear; Silverweed; White Clover; Germander Speedwell; Red Campion; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Common Sorrel; Meadow Vetchling; Hop Trefoil; Elder; Rowan; Hairy Tare; Multi-Flowered Rose; Prickly Sow Thistle; Shepherd's Purse; Common Field Speedwell; Groundsel; Daisy and Cow Parsley.

2nd June 2024 - Gowy Meadows, Cheshire - After the mornings walk we had a Full-English alfresco breakfast and 2 coffees and then had a short pootle at this area (included the roadside) we have visited a few times before.

It was still a slutch-fest in parts and some of the grassy areas were barren but we did see a few insects:- 1 * Cereal Fly (Geomyza tripunctata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Ptychoptera contaminata); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 3 * Spear Thistle Lacebug (Tingis cardui); 1 * Creeping Thistle Lacebug (Tingis ampliata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Lygocoris rugicollis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rustica); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigra); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Hawthorn Weevil (Anthonomus pedicularius); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Weevil (Rhinoncus pericarpius); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 4 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 24 Spot Ladybird (Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Common Green Grashopper nymph (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 4 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Woundwort Shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Cereal Fly (Opomyza germinationis agg) and a Common Quaker Moth larvae (Orthosia cerasi).

A few galls noted were:-Acalitus stenaspis; Aceria campestricola; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Taphrina pruni; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Eriophyes similis and Dasineura fraxini.

The flower list was made up of:- Cow Parsley; Herb Robert; Meadow Buttercup; Common Nettle; Goosegrass; Ground Elder; White Clover; Dandelion agg; Creeping Buttercup; Common Vetch; Hedge Woundwort; Red Campion; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Hogweed; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Bramble agg; Ribwort Plantain; Garlic Mustard; Common Mouse Ear; Lesser Trefoil; Lesser Stitchwort; Chickweed; Daisy; Bittersweet; Black Bryony; Hawthorn; Hedge Mustard; Wild Radish; Pineappleweed; Shepherd's Purse and Green Alkanet.

The only birds seen were:- Magpie; Swallow; Grey Heron; Carrion Crow; Jackdaw Mute Swan; Reed Bunting; Long Tailed Tit and Blackbird.

The other oddments added were:- Crested Dog's Tail; Striped Woodlouse; White Lipped Banded Snail and Amber Snail.

2nd June 2024 - Whitby Park, Ellesmere Park, Cheshire - I was leading a gentle 2 hour wak today for the Cheshire Wildlife Trust - a nice bunch of folk turned up as organised by the keen lass Rachel Nellist. A pre-pootle and a couple of hours in decent weather produced the following bloom list:- Groundsel; Chickweed; Dandelion agg; White Clover; Yellow Flag Iris; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Red Dead Nettle; Shepherd's Purse; Bramble agg; Cow Parsley; Cuckooflower; Herb Robert; Wood Avens; Elder; Goosegrass; Common Sorrel; Ribwort Plantain; Slender Speedwell; Thale Cress; Common Field Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Wavy Bittercress and Hedgerow Crane's-Bill.

The few insects pondered were:- 1 * Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 3 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 4 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 4 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 8 * Yellow Banded Longhorn Moth (Nemophora degeerella); 1 * Acorn Weevil (Curculio glandium); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Parhelophilus frutetorum); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis) plus 1 * Common larvae (Polygonia c-album).

Galls sighted were:- Eriophyes leiosoma; Eriophyes tiliae; Aceria exilis; Trioza remota; Aceria campestricola; Cryptomyzus ribis and Taphrina populina.

Also added were:- Pedunculate Oak; Hornbeam; Whitebeam; Hawthorn; Common Lime; Silver Birch; Common Horsetail; Pendulous Sedge; Grey Squirrel; Garden Snail; Brown Lipped Banded Snail; Rough Woodlouse; Shiny Woodlouse; Striped Woodlouse; White Legged Snake Millipede; Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); Cock's-Foot Grass (Dactylis glomerata); Amber Snail (Succinea putris) and a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

The small bird list was made up of:- Dunnock; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Mallard; Moorhen; Magpie; Swift; Herring Gull; Swallow; Greenfinch and Lesser Black Backed Gull.

1st June 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - Heading home, a cut through the damp meadow at this local spot and I saw:- 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pallida); 2 * Long Legged Fly (Dolichopus wahlbergi); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Picture Winged Fly (Rivellia syngenesiae); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Water Ladybird (Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Weevil (Rhinoncus pericarpius); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Tortoise Bug (Eurygaster testudinaria); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilibris); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Reed Beetle (Plateumaris sericea); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fulvipennis) and 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens).

Marsh Thistle and Greater Spearwort were looking lovely.

1st June 2024 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up and out and all done a sipping coffee outside the Amerianique for 10.15 - not bad at all.

Insects recorded today were:- 2 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Closterotomus trivialis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Leafhopper (Oncopsis flavicollis); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Chaetostomella cylindrica); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 3 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 6 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Merodon equestris); 2 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 13 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 6 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 8 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1* Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 5 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 5 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 5 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Cinnamon Bug (Corizus hyoscyami); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis) and an abundance of Harlequin Ladybird (Harmona axyridis) and Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis).

Magpie; Wren; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Greenfinch; Canada Goose; Cormorant; Goldfinch and Jackdaw plus Blackcap and Chiffchaff on call.

Blooms noted were:- White Clover; Green Alkanet; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Hogweed; Elder; Meadow Buttercup; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Broad Leaved Dock; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Ground Elder; Red Campion; Bush Vetch; PIneappleweed; Dandelion agg; Comfrey agg; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Daisy; Lesser Trefoil; Yellow Flag Iris and Garlic Mustard.

I also added:- Cock's-Foot Grass; White Legged Snake Millipede; Strawberry Snail; Garden Snail; White Lipped Banded Snail; Amber Snail; Striped Woodlouse; Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and the Galls:- Eriophyes leiosoma; Euura proxima;Taphrina pruni; Psyllopsis fraxini and Eriophyes inangulis.

Lords and Ladies was now at the fruitings stage, as was Hawthorn - the year is tickling by.

1st June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up to check the moth trap, 2 House Sparrows were sitting on the device, chomping away. The end result - 3 moths:- Marbled Minor agg; Green Oak Tortrix and Common Marbled Carpet.

Later in the day the garden held:- 1 * Hairy Yellow Faced Bee (Hylaeus hyalinatus); 1 * Harlequin Ladbird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) and the Hoverflies:- Syritta pipiens and Myathropa florea.

31st May 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - The last day of the month, I have recorded everyday and am looking to change tack. I need to catch my own arse and reconsider, today I had a coffee and a quiet stroll. I saw:- 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pellucida); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 3 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 3 * Longhorn Beetle (Grammoptera ruficornis); 3 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 15 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Willow Flea Beetle (Crepidodera aurata); 13 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lunata); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 6 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 3 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 2 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 4 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi);1 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 1 * Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata) and 3 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia).

30th May 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A Jay sat in a branch by the riverside path, A Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum) grabbed a few rare sun-rays and the Cherry Aphid (Myzus cerasi) was in good numbers inside a leaf curl.

30th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - Adjacent to the orchard, where I checked yesterday, is a small meadow area that is usually worth a look whilst on my way home. Today I saw:- 1 * Clover Seed Moth (Grapholita compositella); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 4 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 7 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 4 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Meadow Grass Moth (Crambus lathoniellus); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris) and 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis).

Lesser Stitchwort; Bird's-Foot Trefoil and Meadow Crane's-Bill were 3 flowers adored. Quaking Grass was doing well too.

30th May 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick dinnertime walk to ease the head and get away from the desk. A small area I record at produced:- 5 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 8 * Harlequin Ladybird plus 4 larvae (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

29th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - After a busy day I walked home and had a 30 minute pause in this small area. With a breeze and cloud I think I did well to spot anything. The insects recorded were:- 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 13 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 7 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 2 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 2 * Mirid Bug (Closterotomus trivialis); 1 * White Line Pollen Moth (Micropterix aruncella) and 1 * Hoverfly (Tropidia scita).

29th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - After noted the Gall (Myzus ligustri) I walked on and had a pootled down a local back alleyway where I occasionally record. Today the following blooms were noted:- Common Nettle; Shining Crane's-Bill; Nipplewort; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Wild Strawberry; Wood Avens; Bramble agg; Goosegrass; Creeping Buttercup; Prickly Sow Thistle; Garlic Mustard; Ground Elder; Broad Leaved Dock; Elder; White Clover; Welsh Poppy; Ox-Eye Daisy; Cow Parsley; Green Alkanet Herb Robert and Common Ragwort in bud.

Insects noted were:- 17 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Common Roller Moth (Ancylis badiana); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 4 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) and 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

I also noted the Gall (Psyllopsis fraxini agg) as well as a Magpie; Wood Pigeon and Blackbird.

29th May 2024 - Grappenhall Walled Gardens, Warrington, Cheshire - A walk with a dozen kids from work, we played, picnicked and pootled.  The weather was dull and we didn't see a great deal to be honest but I did record:- 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); a Robin, Coot with 2 young, Mallard; Song Thrush and Blackbird and we all had a nibble of flowering Common Nettle; Goosegrass and Garlic Mustard.  Red Campion; Foxglove and Wood Avens were the other blooms noted as I was run ragged and talking nonsense with a fine bunch of Young Carers.

29th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A couple more moths in the bathroom, a Common Marbled Carpet and a Small Magpie - it is better than a kick in the conkers.

28th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis), 1 * Weevil (Rhinoncus pericarpius) and the Mirid Bug (Closterotomus trivialis) - the latter was dark with orange cuneus and two black spots on the pronotum - it was a new one for me, and I had no camera on me - bah.

28th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up with a sore back, on the bathroom wall were a Silver Y and a Brimstone Moth - I really do need to get the trap out but am just lacking the inclination at the mo.

27th May 2024 - Stamford Park, Stalybridge, Tameside - The climate continues to kickback, we three pootlers headed out, had a warm drink and cake in a garden centre and then a walk under the rainy skies and clouds.

Birds listed were:- Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Moorhen; Feral Pigeon; Treecreeper; Robin; Starling; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Carrion Crow; Black Headed Gull; Canada Goose; Goldfinch; Dunnock and Magpie.

Blooms spotted included:- Bittersweet; Procumbent Pearlwort; Hogweed; Foxglove; Cow Parsley; Horse Chestnut; Meadow Buttercup; Ground Elder; Herb Robert; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Common Nettle; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Groundsel; Broad Leaved Dock; Creeping Buttercup; Shepherd's Purse; Elder; Bramble agg; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Thale Cress; Pineappleweed; Cuckooflower; Ribwort Plantain; Ox-Eye Daisy; Many Flowered Rose; Red Campion; Common Knapweed; White Dead Nettle; Salad Burnet; Creeping Thistle; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Yarrow; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Comfrey agg and Common Vetch.

The few bugs braving the weather were:- 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 27 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 8 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Snipe-Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

The couple of galls noted were:- Eriophyes leiosoma; Eriophyes inangulis; Dasineura viciae; Eriophyes tiliae; Dasineura tiliae; Psyllopsis fraxini and Eriophyes laevis.

And also added was:- Grey Squirrel and Cock's-Foot Grass.

26th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A few species in the garden later in the day were:- 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyarusta aurata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) and a few Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci).

Meadow Buttercup and Bulbous Buttercup were in flower.

26th May 2024 - Airlift Hill, Warrington, Cheshire - The first walk of the year for the Land Trust. Rain was the forecast, we somehopw avoided it and with a good crowd in tow we saw the following insects:- 3 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Weevil (Rhinoncus pericarpius); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Soldier Beetlle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Large Rose Sawfly (Arge pagana); 1 * Ground Beetle (Poecilus cupreus); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rufa); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis lateralis); 1 * Leafhopper (Oncopsis flavicollis); 1 * Weevil (Apion frumentarium); 2 * Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 3 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 7 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 2 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida viridis); 5 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 16 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 10+ * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 4 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 5 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Golden Bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle (Agapanthia villosoviridescens); 2 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Weevil (Polydrusus formosus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus trivittatus); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Eyed Hawk-Moth (Smerinthus ocellatus); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 3 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

The small bird list included:- Reed Bunting; Magpie; Mallard; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Jackdaw; Starling; Grey Heron; Tufted Duck; Herring Gull; Pied Wagtail; Song Thrush; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Kestrel; Coot and Buzzard.

The flowers listed included:- Red Clover; White Clover; Meadow Buttercup; Broad Leaved Dock; Ox-Eye Daisy; Ribwort Plantain; Creeping Buttercup; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Black Medick; Silverweed; Comfrey agg; Red Campion; Common Knapweed; White Campion; Bee Orchid; Amphibious Bistort; Cuckooflower; Hogweed; Prickly Sow Thistle; Common Vetch; Common Nettle; Common Mouse Ear and Lesser Trefoil.

Also added were :- 1 * Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); the Gall (Eriophyes tiliae); Cock's-Foot Grass (Dactylis glomerata); Crested Dog's Tail (Cynosurus cristatus); Amber Snail (Succinea putris); a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis) and Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum).

25th May 2024 - Parrs Wood Environmental Centre, Didsbury, G. Manchester - After todays walk we called in at a local event that was run by the fine folk at this very special place. Our mate Kit Walker was at the helm and doing a grand job. We had tea and cake and a wander and recorded:- 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Common Spruce Tortrix (Epinotia tedella); 2 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 21 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 3 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 9 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 3 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Juniper Shieldbug (Cyphostethus tristriatus); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata) and 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum).

Flowers noted were:- Herb Robert; White Clover; Black Medick; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Shining Crane's-Bill; Thale Cress; Chickweed; Daisy; Wood Avens; Bramble agg; Foxglove; Common Field Speedwell; Ribwort Plantain; Hogweed; Green Alkanet; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Goosegrass; Cuckooflower; Common Mouse Ear; Common Vetch; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; White Water Lily; Creeping Buttercup; Yellow Flag Iris; Common Nettle; Red Valerian; Purple Toadflax; Common Valerian; Comfrey agg; Bush Vetch; Garlic Mustard; Lesser Trefoil and Purple Toothwort.

Galls noted were:- Mikiola fagi; Acalitus stenaspis; Euura pedunculi; Iteomyia capraea and Cryptomyzus ribis.

We also added:- Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber).

25th May 2024 - Happy Valley, Stockport, G. Manchester - Another walk led today, the weather was fair and we pootled along in a gentle manner with some good folk in tow. The horrors of the modern world where plain to see with dogs destroying habitat and polluting waters and insect numbers just not giving one any confidence for the future. As a group we had a nice walk though with insects seen as follows:- 1 * Red Mompha Moth (Mompha locupletella); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rustica); 3 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 3 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Clouded Bordered Brindle (Apamea crenata); 2 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 2 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 1 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 1 * Broad Damselbug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 4 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 3 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 2 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 2 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Green Carpet Moth (Colostygia pectinataria); 1 * Black Snipe-Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 19 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica) and a few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) and Pot Bellied Emerald Beetles (Gastrophysa viridula).

Blooms noted were:- Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Wood Avens; Cow Parsley; Ground Elder; Goosegrass; Herb Robert; Meadow Buttercup; Bramble agg; Green Alkanet; Daisy; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Garlic Mustard; Elder; Broad Leaved Dock; Common Figwort; Lesser Stitchwort; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yellow Rattle; Common Sorrel; Cuckooflower; Pignut; Fringe Cups; Ragged Robin; Pink Purslane; Red Campion; Dandelion agg; Yellow Flag Iris; Brooklime; Greater Stitchwort; Silverweed; White Water Lily; Bluebell; Wood Speedwell and Guelder Rose.

A few tree species noted were:- Common Ash; Beech; Sycamore; Whitebeam; Hazel and Common Alder. We also added:- Wood Horsetail; 1 * Common Frog; White Lipped Banded Snail; Amber Snail; White Legged Snake Millipede; Striped Woodlouse and a new on to us:- Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major).

The few birds seen were:- Mallard; Common Buzzard; Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon; Song Thrush; Magpie; Blackbird and Grey Heron.

Galls added included:- Eriophyes similis; Trioza remota; Eriophyes laevis; Eriophyes inangulis; Aceria nervisequa; Acalitus stenaspis; Euura proxima; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Mikiola fagi and Eriophyes sorbi.

24th May 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - I finished work early and walked the long route home. I spent some time in this area I know so well. The weather was drab, it seems par for the course, but I did see the following insects:- 1 * Saw-Fly (Selandria serva); 1 * Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma quadrifaria); 1 * Caddis-Fly (Limnephilus auricula); 1 * Mirid Bug (Miris striatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Ptychoptera contaminata); 13 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 6 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 8 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 18 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 3 * Longhorn Beetle (Grammoptera ruficornis); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 10 * Black Snipe-Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 3 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 1 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana) and the Hoverflies:- 3 * Episyrphus balteatus; 1 * Volucella bombylans; 1 * Volucella pellucens; 4 * Helophilus pendulus; 1 * Pipizella viduata; 2 * Eristalis pertinax; 2 * Cheilosia illustrata; 2 * Eristalis nemorum; 2 * Chrysogaster solstitialis; 1 * Platycheirus albimanus; 1 * Melangyna compositarum s.l and 1 * Melanostoma scalare.

Galls listed today were:- Mikiola fagi; Aceria nervisequa; Aceria erinea; Aceria myriadeum; Aceria macrochela; Acalitus brevitarsus; Eriophyes inangulis; Taphrina tosquinetii; Pemphigus spyrothecae; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Trioza remota; Andricus kollari; Contarinia tiliarum; Eriophyes leiosoma; Phytoptus tetratrichus; Dasineura tiliae; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Euura proxima; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Dasineura fraxini; Taphrina pruni and Eriophyes sorbi.

The only other species listed were a few Swifts down by the River Mersey.

23rd May 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - I am fed up, the hernia is a bugger, the back getting better but still a menace and the IBS is having a poxy day.  The rain was falling during the dinner break and the wind rising (yes, from the arse too) but I had a walk and saw 3 Galls:- the sexual stage of Andricus grossulariae was noted on Turkey Oak catkins, Psyllopsis fraxini agg was on Ash leaves and Aceria macrochela was on the leaves of Field Maple.  Small Balsam; White Dead Nettle; Honesty and Comfrey agg were a couple of flowers pondered and I did spy 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Lauxaniidae Fly (Meiosimyza decempunctata) and 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

22nd May 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking to work with the brolly up and the rain teeming, I spied a completely fed up Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americiana) with the head down and the rain drops gathered on its back - how these creatures crack on is beyond me, we must all be grateful. The dinner break walk produced 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis), Broad Leaved Willowherb; Fox and Cubs and Foxglove in flower and the Gall (Euura pedunculi) in good numbers

21st May 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Tomorrows walk is cancelled due to crappy weather, I was at work today and there was a chill in the air whilst cycling on.  As I pushed the bike through this local park I saw:- 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Giant Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima) and 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus).

20th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - I am way behind on many fronts so today I stayed in. I did take a few breaks in the arden and noted:- 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * 2 Spotted Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 14 * Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) and 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans).

Wild Flowers in bloom were:- Cow Parsley; Hogweed; Herb Robert; Greater Celandine; Garlic Mustard; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Red Campion; Foxglove; Ox-Eye Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Honesty; Creeping Buttercup; Germander Speedwell; Hairy Bittercress and Common Nettle.

A Blue Tit paid a visit to the back window sill and the cheeky House Sparrows still pootled in the vegetation and fed on the greenfly.

The overnight moth trap was poor and only gave rise to:- Tachystola acroxantha (*2); Common Marbled Carpet (*2); Brown House Moth (*1); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*1) and Cabbage Moth (*1).

19th May 2024 - Deep Dale NR, Derbyshire - A walk in spectacular sunshine with the missus. We never see many insects here but what we did see was:- 1 * Carrot Fly (Psila merdaria); 1 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Hoverfly (Rhingia campestris); 5 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Common Field Damselbug (Nabis rugosus); 1 * Broad Damselbug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis opaca); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Yellow Sally Stone-Fly (Isoperla grammatica); 3 * Mirid Bug (Calocoris alpestris); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lunata); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Dock Weevil (Apion frumentarium); 1 * Raspberry Beetle (Byturus ochraceus); 2 * Crane-Fly (Cylindrotoma distinctissima); 4 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 16 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 5 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 2 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 2 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 4 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 14 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Pale Tortoise Beetle (Cassida flaveola); 31 * Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 2 * Giant Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 8 * Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 2 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Small Yellow Underwing (Panemeria tenebrata); 2 * Peacock (Aglais io); 12 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas); 2 * Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum).

Bird species seen were:- Common Buzzard; Redstart; Chaffinch; Jackdaw; Garden Warbler; Robin; Wren; Raven; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Skylark and Meadow Pipit with Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler heard.

Blooms listed were:- Spring Sandwort; Nodding Thistle; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Germander Speedwell; Lady's Mantle agg; Greater Stitchwort; Crosswort; Daisy; Ground Elder; Meadow Buttercup; Red Campion; Elder; Herb Robert; Shining Crane's-Bill; Ribwort Plantain; Meadow Saxifrage; Bugle; Cuckooflower; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Hawthorn; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Lesser Trefoil; Mouse Ear Hawkweed; Field Madder; Common Sorrel; Bush Vetch; Rue Leaved Saxifrage; Horse Chestnut; Water Avens; Ramsons; Wavy Bittercress; Early Purple Orchid; Ground Ivy; Wild Strawberry; Lesser Celandine; Sanicle; Yellow Pimpernel; Lords and Ladies; Sweet Woodruff; Salad Burnet; Bulbous Buttercup; Spring Cinquefoil; Dandelion agg; Broad Leaved Dock; Brooklime; Fairy Flax; Cowslip; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Milkwort; Tormentil; Pignut; Yellow Rattle; Sticky Mouse Ear; Common Mouse Ear; Kidney Vetch; Mountain Pansy; Rowan; Early Dog Violet; Garlic Mustard; Bramble agg; Goosegrass; Welsh Poppy and Toothwort and Dog's Mercury now gone to seed and Bird's-Nest Orchid on the cusp of full flower.

We also added:- Quaking Grass; White Lipped and Brown Lipped Banded Snails and the Galls (Eriophyes leiosoma) and (Eriophyes tiliae) as well as a Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus).

18th May 2024 - Golborne Sports FC, Wigan, G. Manchester - Arriving at the football and we had a laze in the sun and then watched a 5 goal cracker. Whilst in the area we recorded:- 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 4 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 16 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum) and 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

Flowers in bloom were:- Procumbent Pearlwort; White Clover; Cuckooflower; Daisy; Nipplewort; Creeping Buttercup; Wall Speedwell; Common Mouse Ear; Ribwort Plantain; Lesser Trefoil; Meadow Buttercup; Bush Vetch; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Bramble agg; Elder; Herb Robert; Yellow Oxalis; Dandelion agg; Common Nettle; Purple Toadflax; Goosegrass; Broad Leaved Dock and Common Vetch.

The few birds added were:- Starling; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Pied Wagtail and Blackbird.

18th May 2024 - Carr Mill Dam, St Helens, Merseyside - A pre-footy walk, with insects the main area of interest. We saw:- 1 * Sawfly (Pachyprotasis rapae); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Longhorn Beetle (Grammoptera ruficornis); 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma appendiculata); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 2 * Black Snipe-Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 23 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 6 * Brown Silver Line (Petrophora chlorosata); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 19 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 10 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 3 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 11 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 2 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha nigriventris); 2 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 6 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 9 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 2 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 3 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 5 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 6 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentaotoma rufipes).

Silver Birch, Common Lime; Beech; Ash and Hazel were pondered along with the following blooms:- Ribwort Plantain; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Red Campion; Creeping Buttercup; Cow Parsley; Wood Avens; Rhododendron; Yellow Flag Iris; Ground Elder; Pignut; Bluebell; Herb Robert; Cuckooflower; Common Sorrel; Black Medick; Common Mouse Ear; Common Nettle; Garlic Mustard; Shining Crane's-Bill; Elder; Brooklime; Common Field Speedwell; Ramsons; Hawthorn; Daisy; Prickly Sow Thistle; Dandelion agg; Goosegrass; Hogweed; Guelder Rose; White Clover; 3 Nerved Sandwort; Wood Speedwell; Yellow Pimpernel; Welsh Poppy; Broom; Marsh Marigold; Sycamore; Large BIttercress; Meadow Buttercup; Sweet Woodruff; Common Comfrey agg; Horse Chestnut; Common Vetch; Lesser Trefoil; Pineappleweed; Hedge Mustard; Shepherd's Purse; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Bramble agg and Thyme Leaved Speedwell.

Galls were few today:- Eriophyes leiosoma; Phytoptus avellanae; Aceria nervisequa; Eriophyes inangulis; Eriophyes laevis; Macrodiplosis pustularis; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Acalitus brevitarsus and Acalitus stenaspis.

The bird list comprised of:- Coot; Black Headed Gull; House Sparrow; Swallow; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Wren; Pied Wagtail; Jackdaw; House Martin; Blue Tit; Canada Goose; Nuthatch; Wood Pigeon; Great Crested Grebe; Starling; Moorhen; Song Thrush; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Carrion Crow and Mallard.

We also added:- Shiny Woodlouse; Striped Woodlouse; Grey Squirrel; Hart's Tongue Fern; Common Horsetail; Pendulous Sedge; Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum);

15th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking homeward with a head full of worry. I kept my eyes peeled and saw:- 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 7 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 3 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) and 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

I also saw a male Blackcap singing away and a lone Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) - and then the rains soon came.

14th May 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - I strolled to work in the rain with a coffee in my hand.  I broke down later in the day, life is twisting my mind at the mo.  I saw on the way a Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) feeding on some Fringe Cups, a Song Thrush singing his heart out and a Strawberry Small clinging on to some moist vegetation.  Horse Radish; Ground Elder; Welsh Poppy; Japanese Rose and Yellow Rattle were in flower and pondered - if only the bigger picture could be so simple.

Walking home I saw the Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata) - wow, these are such fine insects.

14th May 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - Eriophyes tiliae; Eriophyes sorbi; Mikiola fagi; Dasineura tiliae; Eriophyes leiosoma and Contarinia tiliarum were the Gall noted as I continued my way to work and a few Horse Chestnut Leaf Miners (Cameraria ohridella) dance beneath a canopy of leaves. Walking home a small Nettle patch delighted me with 72 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae) and 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea). I also saw another Gall - Cryptomyzus ribis - nice.

13th May 2024 - Didsbury, G. Manchester - 3 Galls were noted on a roadside Lime, these were:- Dasineura tiliae; Eriophyes exilis and Eriophyes tiliae.

13th May 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - The plan was to go for a short cycle today, I ended up at this non-too far location and getting back later than planned. 2 coffees, a lengthy read of a good vampire yarn and a mooch, tis' better than stopping in scratching the rear.

Without my trusty net the insects still noted today were:- 132 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 14 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 7 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 3 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Tachnid Fly (Tachina fera); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 4 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 5 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 4 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 2 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus tarsalis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Hoverfly (Eumerus funeralis); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 3 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 3 * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis trigramma); 1 * Raspberry Beetle (Byturus ochraceus) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

The few bird species seen were:- Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Mistle Thrush; Blue Tit; Carrion Crow; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Starling; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw; Magpie; Mallard; Ring Necked Parakeet; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Canada Goose; Coot; Mandarin Duck; Feral Pigeon and a Treecreeper with its mate seen sat on the nest - lovely.

I also added:- Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 2 * Brown Rat and the Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata).

Blooms listed were:- Whitebeam; Foxglove; Pignut; Slender Speedwell; Groundsel; Wavy Bittercress; Holly; Chickweed; Spindle; Salad Burnet; Shepherd's Purse; Lesser Trefoil; Wall Speedwell; Welsh Poppy; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Broad Leaved Dock; Cuckooflower; Elder; Laburnum; Common Mouse Ear; Wild Strawberry; Common Sorrel; Spanish Bluebell; Hawthorn; Common Field Speedwell; Common Nettle; Goosegrass; Red Campion; Hedge Mustard; Garlic Mustard; Meadow Buttercup; Hornbeam; Cow Parsley; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Bramble agg; Wood Avens; Bird Cherry; Creeping Buttercup; Dandelion agg and Daisy.

I also noted a few Galls:- Trioza remota; Dasineura fraxini; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes laevis; Aceria cephalonea; plus Common Horsetail; Pendulous Sedge and a fine Copper Beech.

12th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Germander Speedwell was now blooming in the garden, Meadow Buttercup was in bud and I added:- 6 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae) and couple Girdled Snails (Hygromia cinctella).

A new Hoverfly was confirmed by Chris Sellen online (he is an helpful chap). The species was as I suggested - Eumerus funeralis - tis' always better to seek a second opinion.

12th May 2024 - Windy Bank Woods, Glazebury, Lancashire - A meet-up with my brother for the third time at this place. It seems as though certain areas had been discovered and disturbance was on the increase with little in the way of putting back. We cracked on and did 3 hours in clammy conditions.

The bird list comprised of the following:- Carrion Crow; Common Whitethroat; Magpie; Blackbird; Linnet; Jackdaw; Canada Goose; Wood Pigeon; Raven; Swallow; Mallard; Willow Warbler; Pheasant; Chaffinch; Moorhen; Goldfinch; Black Headed Gull; Grey Heron and Pied Wagtail plus Bullfinch; Greenfinch; Long Tailed Tit and Chiffchaff on call.

Blooms listed were:- Sycamore; Procumbent Pearlwort; Japanese Rose; Brooklime; Gorse; Bird Cherry; Horse Chestnut; Common Sorrel; Wavy Bittercress; Changing Forget-Me-Not; Lady's Mantle agg; Cuckooflower; Red Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Dame's Violet; Wood Avens; Dandelion agg; Spanish Bluebell; Goat's-Beard; Hogweed; Prickly Sow Thistle; Common Vetch; Common Mouse Ear; Black Medick; Groundsel; Wall Speedwell; Meadow Buttercup; Comfrey agg; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Shining Crane's-Bill; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Elder; Garlic Mustard; Red Campion; Green Alkanet; White Dead Nettle; Hawthorn; Claridge Druce’s Crane’s-Bill; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Common Nettle; Hedge Mustard and Cow Parsley.

Insects recorded were:- 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis scutellata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus clypeatus agg); 1 * Lace Bug (Tingis ampliata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis trigramma); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Leafhopper (Oncopsis flavicollis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis decipiens); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 33 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 21 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis); 3 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 3 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Green Carpet Moth (Colostygia pectinataria); 2 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 9 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 3 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 5 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 2 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Mother Shipton (Euclidia mi); 2 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 9 * Cream Streaked Ladybird (Harmonia quadripunctata); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 10 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 1 * Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata); 1 * Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa); 3 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 1 * Deer Tick (Ixodes sp); 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Dead Nettle Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina fastuosa); 4 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 3 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis); 4 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Brown Silver Line (Petrophora chlorosata); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Ox-Eye Daisy Fly (Tephritis neesii); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida) and 1 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae).

We also added:- 1 * Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); Common Toad; Common Frog; Short Tailed Vole; Rough Woodlouse; White Lipped Banded Snail; Cock's-Foot Grass; Common Horsetail; Oak Marble Gall (Andricus kollari); Goosegrass Gall (Cecidophyes rouhollahi) and the Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

11th May 2024 - Astley and Tyldesley FC, G. Manchester - Another new footy ground, a slush, 4 goals and a few sightings. The flowers in bloom were:- Cow Parsley; Meadow Buttercup; Dandelion agg; Ribwort Plantain; Hawthorn; Creeping Buttercup; Whitebeam; Cuckooflower; Red Campion; Daisy; Bird Cherry; Lesser Trefoil; Rowan; Herb Robert; Flowering Currant and White Dead Nettle.

1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and a few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) were the only insects seen and the few birds noted were:- Starling; Kestrel; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon and Black Headed Gull.

I also record Silver Birch, a White Lipped Banded Snail and the Gall (Macrodiplosis pustularis).

11th May 2024 - Blackleach CP, Walkden, G. Manchester - Prior to the day's footy we had a walk at this area we hadn't visited for a few years. It was a warm do, the insects were hiding but we did record:- 2 * Ground Bug (Cymus glandicolor); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 10 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 8 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 5 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 4 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 4 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 6 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 11 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 2 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 1 * Heather Beetle (Lochmaea suturalis); 2 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis) and a few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni).

Blooms noted were:- Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Cow Parsley; Colt's-Foot; Hawthorn; Garlic Mustard; Rowan; Red Campion; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Wood Avens; Cuckooflower; Ribwort Plantain; Fringe Cups; Common Field Speedwell; Wood Speedwell; Holly; Comfrey agg; Marsh Marigold; Gorse; Japanese Rose; Cowslip; Broom; Common Mouse Ear; Sticky Mouse Ear; Elder; Sycamore; Bogbean; Welsh Poppy; Spanish Bluebell; Hedge Mustard; Bird Cherry; Laburnum; Bush Vetch; Common Bistort; Common Sorrel; Horse Chestnut; Pendulous Sedge; Water Avens; Greater Stitchwort; Bugle; Yellow Flag Iris; Ramsons; Common Vetch; Shepherd's Purse and Red Clover.

We took no binoculars today but we did see a few species of bird:- Common Tern; Magpie; Blackbird; Mallard; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Great Crested Grebe; Coot; Robin; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; Carrion Crow; Chaffinch; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Wren; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Swallow; House Sparrow; Swift and Goldfinch.

Other additions included: the Galls:- Eriophyes sorbi; Protomyces macrosporus; Eriophyes similis; Eriophyes tiliae and Phyllocoptes goniothorax plus Cock's-Foot Grass; Water Horsetail; Brown Lipped Banded Snail; White Legged Snake Millipede; Shiny Woodlouse; Striped Woodlouse and a few fungi.

10th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Overnight moths attracted were few:- Mullein (*1); Light Brown Apple Moth (*3); Bee Moth (*4) and Tachystola acroxantha (*1) and that's ya lot.

10th May 2024 - Tenement Lane, Stockport, G. Manchester - Heading home and along this stretch I recorded only 3 species due to the nagging groin. Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines) was the trio.

10th May 2024 - Bramhall Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A hospital visit, a scan confirmed the hernia but I have pain on the other side. The doctor refused to scan the other side even though it was mere inches away, I need another appointment - what a useless system. From the hospital I had a decent walk and arrived at this area I know well. I merely wandered through and headed home, whilst there I recorded the following:-

Birds were not on the radar but I did see:- Raven; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Robin; Mallard; Mandarin, Canada Goose; Moorhen; Blue Tit and Wood Pigeon.

Blooms pondered were:- Cow Parsley; Germander Speedwell; Wood Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Ramsons; Chickweed; Dandelion agg; Fringe Cups; Common Bistort; Red Campion; Lesser Celandine; Garlic Mustard; Ribwort Plantain; Common Nettle; Wood Avens; Elder; Bluebell; Herb Robert; Wavy Bittercress; Rowan; Welsh Poppy; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Thale Cress; Greater Celandine; Common Sorrel; Yellow Flag Iris; Holly; Groundsel; Shepherd's Purse; Daisy; Common Mouse Ear; Large Bittercress; Marsh Marigold; Sycamore; Horse Chestnut; Pendulous Sedge; Pignut; Cuckooflower and Sweet Ciceley.

Insects picked out were:- 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 4 * Ramsons Hoverfly (Portevinia maculata); 3 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 2 * Orange Tip (Anthocaris cardamines); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 7 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 8 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum): 4 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and the usual abundance of Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Other species added were:- Copper Beech; Common Horsetail; Wood Horsetail; Amber Snail (Succinea putris); a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

8th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Some cheeky House Sparrows pootled in the garden, a Blackbird kept checking its nest and a Collared Dove and Wood Pigeon were on the scrounge. 6 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) were also in the mix as I sorted a few recent records.

8th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking home and the back alley where I record was used as a cut through. Here I saw:- 15 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 3 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana) and 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi). I also saw a Garden Snail.

6th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport G. Manchester - A few moths from overnight were:- Beautiful Plume (*1); May Highflyer (*1); Flame Shoulder (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*2); Common Marbled Carpet (*1); Light Brown Apple Moth (*1) and Twenty Plume Moth (*1).

6th May 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport G. Manchester - Heading homeward, I checked a couple of ponds at this local area. It was a shame folks were letting their dogs do the usual damage, hey ho, they will regret this behaviour very soon. I went with the aim of seeing the years first Odonates and saw 3 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) and 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans). I also added:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Weevil (Rhinoncus pericarpius); 1 * Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 5 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Water Ladybird (Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 1 * Reed Beetle (Plateumaris sericea) and 2 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines).

I also saw Spindle in flower and a feeding Mistle Thrush.

6th May 2024 - Chorlton Park, Chorlton, G. Manchester - The hernia and back are being bastards, I like to kick back against bastards and so I hopped on the bike, had a painful cycle and 2 coffees. It weren't a bad jaunt all things considered. Insects noted were:-

The flower list comprised of:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lunata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha limbata); 1 * Raspberry Beetle (Byturus tomentosus); 32 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Brassica Shieldbug (Eurydema oleracea); 10 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 5 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 6 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 7 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 2 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 4 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 2 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 3 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) 1 * Common Roller Moth (Ancylis badiana); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) and as per, plenty of Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) and Pot Bellied Emerald Beetles (Gastrophysa viridula).

Blooms noted were:- Cow Parsley; Ribwort Plantain; Germander Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Rape; Meadow Buttercup; Hogweed; Garlic Mustard; Lesser Celandine; Greater Stitchwort; Wood Avens; Ramsons; Hawthorn; Cuckooflower; Common Field Speedwell; Bramble agg; Herb Robert; Sycamore; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Meadow Buttercup; Common Mouse Ear; Broom; Common Gorse; Common Vetch; Bush Vetch; Lesser Trefoil; Rowan; Daisy; Pendulous Sedge; Fringe Cups; Wavy Bittercress; Spotted Medick; Spanish Bluebell; Greater Celandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Horse Chestnut and Common Comfrey.

The small bird list was made up of the following species:- Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Jackdaw; Mallard; Magpie; Goldfinch; Ring Necked Parakeet; Canada Goose and Mute Swan.

Numerous Amber Snails (Succinea putris); a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum) and an approximate 18lb Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) caught by a fishermen were the other species added.

5th May 2024 - Blacka Moor, Sheffield, W. Yorkshire - A walk with the missus at a location we had only visted once before, that time we didn't see as much as expected. Today was hard work but it is good just to be out there and trying, and we did get new species.

The few birds listed were:- Blackbird (*2); Chaffinch (*2); Willow Warbler (*1); Redstart (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1); Woodcock (*1); Curlew (*1); Blackcap (*2); Blue Tit (*1); Wren (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Meadow Pipit (*2) and Pied Flycatcher (*2).

Blooms were few but we did admire:- Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Dandelion agg; White Dead Nettle; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Daisy; Common Mouse Ear; 3 Nerved Sandwort; Wild Strawberry; Bluebell; Cow Parsley; Garlic Mustard; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Wood Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Yellow Archangel; Greater Stitchwort; Barren Strawberry; Cowberry; Cotton Grass; Cuckooflower;

The few Galls seen were:- Eriophyes sorbi and Andricus lignicola.

The insects spied included:- 20+ * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pellucida); 2 * Click Beetle (Dalopius marginatus); 1 * Harvestman (Platybunus pinetorum); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Ox-Eye Daisy Fly (Tephritis neesii); 1 * Burying Beetle (Silpha atrata); 2 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 4 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Bog Hoverfly (Sericomyia lappona); 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 2 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 2 * Larch Ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Heather Beetle (Lochmaea suturalis); 3 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 7 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis); 3 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 4 * Leafhopper (Ulopa reticulata); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Large Longhorn Moth (Nematopogon swammerdamella); 2 * Green Longhorn Moth (Adela reaumurella); 1 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis); 1 * Murky Legged Black Legionnaire Fly (Beris chalybata); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Hoverfly (Rhingia campestris); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana); 1 * Crane Fly (Limonia phragmitidis) and a few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni).

Also seen was a Common Lizard and up to 8 Red Deer, a couple of Pill Woodlice and a Shiny Woodlouse

4th May 2024 - St Michaels DHFC, Widnes, Cheshire - Another head tattoo, a good meal out and a short drive to a new ground. Whilst in attendance we saw:- 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 14 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 9 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 6 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) and many Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni).

Flowers noted were:- Bramble agg; Dandelion agg; Hawthorn; Sycamore; Creeping Buttercup; Cuckooflower; Rowan, Daisy; Herb Robert; Oxford Ragwort; Slender Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Groundsel and Thale Cress.

Galls picked out included:- Eriophyes sorbi; Eriophyes laevis; Eriophyes tiliae; Euura pedunculi and Aceria macrochela.

We also added:- Greenfinch (*4); Wood Pigeon (*1); Pied Wagtail (*1); Magpie (*1) and Blackbird (*1) plus Silver Birch and White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

3rd May 2024 - St James Church, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A trip into Didsbury for a brew and some grub, a quick look around this small churchyard under grey clouds and we saw:- Fringe Cups; Daisy; Green Alkanet; Holly; Dandelion agg; Ribwort Plantain; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Lords and Ladies; Welsh Poppy; Herb Robert; Sycamore; Cow Parsley and Ivy Leaved Speedwell in flower plus a Robin, a Goldcrest, 5 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella); 1 * Box Tree Moth larvae (Cydalima perspectalis) and the Galls (Phyllocoptes goniothorax) and (Eriophyes leiosoma).

A main road nearby gave rise to:- 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and the Gall (Cecidophyes nudus).

2nd May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Home and a strip, a cup of pop, a pootle in the garden (with clothes on of course) and I noted:- 6 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

In the bathroom I saw a Bee Moth; a White Shouldered House Moth; a 20 Plume Moth and the Micro Moth (Tachystola acroxantha).

2nd May 2024 - River Mersey, East Didsbury, G. Manchester - Walking on with the intention to get home and stretch. Note was made though of:- 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 23 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 9 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 4 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 3 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus).

A Swallow was whizzing in and out of a floodgate area - nests are being built methinks.

2nd May 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - My resolve is being tested with this hernia and crook back, it really does niggle away at the temperament. I booked half a day off work, had a good 2 mile walk, a coffee and then did some mooching. Insects seen were few but I did record:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Pale Tortoise Beetle (Cassida flaveola); 1 * Crane Fly (Limonia phragmitidis); 1 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 17 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 22 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 21 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 15 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 7 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 8 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 6 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 4 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 9 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 2 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 4 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 4 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * (Baccha elongata); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 3 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album) and 2 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae); 1 * Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); 1 * Raspberry Beetle (Byturus ochraceus); 1 * Weevil (Liophloeus tessulatus); 1 * Heather Beetle (Lochmaea suturalis) plus plenty of Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni).

2 Galls were noted, these being:- Eriophyes leiosoma and Protomyces macrosporus.

The only other things seen were numerous Amber Snails (Succinea putris); a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

1st May 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - Nearly home and I saw:- 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Cuckooflower; Thyme Leaved Speedwell and Germander Speedwell were all adding a splash of color.

1st May 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A Kingfisher; 2 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) and 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) were the few things I saw wandering home.

1st May 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short break in the works gardens to stretch the back and legs.  I recorded:- 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella sepempunctata); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1  Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and 4 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina).

30th April 2024 - Heaviley, Stockport, G. Manchester - A trip to the physio and prior to the visit I sat in the Medical Centre's garden and read two horror stories. I also saw:- 19 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 7 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and the Gall (Trioza centranthi).

30th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking to work and stretching out, down a back alley were I record I saw a Blackcap and Robin singing in the same tree and Goosegrass was now in flower.  Not much but it is the last day of the month, I deserve a rest.

29th April 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Just outside Abney Hall there is a Pine Tree, I gave it a quick check and saw 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and a new species for me, the Harvestman (Platybunus pinetorum) - bonus.

29th April 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - After a call in for a coffee in Cheadle Village and a read of a horror short story (very nasty) I made my way homeward. During my jaunt I had a chat with a local mate and a lovely couple who were interested in what I was looking at. During this short jaunt I recorded:- 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 7 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Hawthorn Leaf Beetle (Lochmaea crataegi); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae) and 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula).

Marsh Marigold and Cuckooflower were looking lovely too.

29th April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Continuing my walk and with the clouds building and the wind rising I did well to note:- 30 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 13 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia pagana); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 15 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempuncata) and 1 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus).

Common Vetch and Greater Celandine were 2 flowers pondered and Oak Apple Gall (Biorhiza pallida) was looking as good as ever.

A Mandarin Duck flew by, a Grey Wagtail skipped about

29th April 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - My day off work, the back and groin were sore, a slow walk was the only solution. The first part was done and used to stretch the carcass, I did see:- 6 * Thistle Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 8 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) and several Nursery Web Spiders (Pisaura mirabilis).

28th April 2024 - Countess of Chester CP, Cheshire - After a coffee and a pie in a quiet cafe we returned to an area we hadn't visited for quite a while. Some good work had been going on and matters were improving it seemed. Insects noted today were:- 1 * Ground Weevil (Barynotus obscurus); 1 * Caddisfly (Limnephilus sparsus); 1 * Sap Feeding Beetle (Epuraea aestiva); 1 * Common Damsel Bug (Nabis rugosus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Trembling Wing Fly (Palloptera quinquemaculata); 1 * Thistle Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pellucida); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 16 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 2 * 24 Spot Ladybird (Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia pagana); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 8 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Woundwort Shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimus); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 3 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Saw-Fly (Aglaostigma fulvipes); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 10 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 6 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 3 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris sp); 7 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata) and 2 * European Cinch Bug nymphs (Ischnodemus sabuleti).

Flowers listed were:- Common Vetch; Herb Robert; Marsh Marigold; Creeping Buttercup; Cow Parsley; Hogweed; Hawthorn; Horse Chestnut; Rowan; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Cowslip; Ragged Robin; Dandelion agg; Sycamore; Colt's-Foot; Ribwort Plantain; Gorse; Germander Speedwell; Green Alkanet; Wood Avens; Cuckooflower; Geulder Rose; Lesser Celandine; Red Campion; Groundsel; Garlic Mustard; Hedge Mustard; Red Dead Nettle; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Common Field Speedwell; Spanish Bluebell and White Dead Nettle.

Birds spotted included:- Greenfinch; Starling; Great Tit; Chiffchaff; Wren; Magpie; Blackcap; Kestrel; Blackbird; Long Tailed Tit; Common Whitethroat; Linnet; Carrion Crow; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Dunnock and Robin.

Final additions were:- Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Amber Snail (Succinea putris); Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); Common Horsetail; Hart's-Tongue Fern and the Gall (Andricus kollari).

28th April 2024 - Chester Zoo NR, Cheshire - After the previous days footy and giggery my legs and back needed a stretch. The first wander was in the chill with a look at this small but valuable nature reserve. The few birds seen were:- Cetti's Warbler; Swallow; Kestrel; Jackdaw; Mallard; Wood Pigeon; Common Whitethroat; Robin; Carrion Crow; Chiffchaff; Magpie; Goldfinch; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Pied Wagtail and a Moorhen with three young un's.

Insects recorded were:- 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Murky Legged Black Legionnaire Fly (Beris chalybata); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma appendiculata); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 8 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 12 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 3 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 2 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) and 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana).

Blooms noted were:- Rowan; Red Campion; Hawthorn; Garlic Mustard; Spindle; Creeping Buttercup; Guelder Rose; Cowslip; Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Wood Avens and Greater Stitchwort.

Also added were a Rabbit; the Common Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); 1 * Amber Snail (Succinea putris); 1 * N Nursery web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and the Galls (Phytoptus avellanae) and (Biorhiza pallida).

27th April 2024 - Garswood United FC, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire - A new footy ground, 4 penalties, 8 goals, a sending off and free brews - nice. Prior to and after the match I recorded;- 1 * Adonis Ladybird (Hippodamia variegata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula rufina) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Flowers in bloom included:- Daisy; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hogweed; Cuckooflower; Garlic Mustard; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Cow Parsley; Ribwort Plantain; Common Vetch; Groundsel; Pineappleweed; Common Mouse Ear; Creeping Buttercup; Colt's-Foot and Dandelion agg.

We also added:- Collared Dove; Blackbird; Goldfinch; 2 Common Toads and a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

26th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey Bowl, Stockport, G. Manchester - Painkillers ang gels are getting me by and after a day at work I called in to one of my fave gaffs for a coffee in the sun. By the time I had left the solar orb had buggered off but as a surprise Cuckoo called I saw:- 29 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Saw-Fly (Aglaostigma fulvipes) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Creeping Buttercup was bursting here, there and everywhere and really making me happy

25th April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Another trip to the docs, a chat with the physio - ooh I am struggling. A Dipper whizzed by and 3 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 10+ * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Nursey Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) were the only sightings today.

24th April 2024 - Bramhall Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - I led a walk for the adult carers from work today despite being in pain with the hernia.  All enjoyed it and the company was great but it was hard work indeed.  I was struggling to bend and operate as normal but we did see a few species and did have a nice day.

Insects discussed were:- 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald (Gastrophysa viridula) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

A few plants in flower that were duly admired, sniffed and discussed were:- Common Bistort; Sweet Ciceley; Cow Parsley; Wood Anemone; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Marsh Marigold and Meadow Buttercup.

Wood Horsetail was looking splendid; Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica) was growing on an old sawn off stump, a couple of Blunt Tailed Snake Millipedes (Cylindroiulus punctatus) were looking miffed at being disturbed and a Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) was passed around and didn't mind giving off his distinctive emanations.  The Yew Gall (Taxomyia taxi) was noted too along with a few fungi and the following birds:- Raven (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Buzzard (*2); Goldcrest (*1); Robin (*1) and Grey Wagtail (*1).

A coffee before and after the walk and a good stretch was crucial indeed.

22nd April 2024 - Salford Quays, G. Manchester - The middle stop of a 22 mile round trip. A coffee and a sandwich, a look at the Blue Peter Garden, a walk round media city and back home passed Old Trafford. Birds noted around The Quays were:- Starling; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Mute Swan; Mallard; Canada Goose; Cormorant; Feral Pigeon and 9 * up close and personal Sand Martins.

Blooms listed were:- Dandelion agg; Groundsel; Daisy; Ribwort Plantain; Common Mouse Ear; Herb Robert and Spanish Bluebell.

1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) were the only insect seen.

I reckon I will start to record here on a more regular basis, I added to this initial list Wall Rue and Silver Birch.

22nd April 2024 - Bridgewater Canal, Stretford, G. Manchester - A new section of this canal recorded at with the following birds noted:- Carrion Crow; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Blackbird; Goldfinch; Magpie; Canada Goose; Dunnock; Mallard; Robin; Willow Warbler and Great Tit.

I also spied:- 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Plants sporting blooms were:- Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Red Dead Nettle; Creeping Buttercup; Cuckooflower; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Spanish Bluebell; Colt's-Foot; Daisy; Garlic Mustard; Cow Parsley; Oxford Ragwort; Ribwort Plantain; Wall Speedwell; Wild Strawberry; Thale Cress; Cowslip; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Groundsel; Common Nettle; White Dead Nettle; Wood Avens; Rue Leaved Saxifrage; Shepherd's Purse; Sycamore; Hawthorn; and Shining Crane's-Bill.

Cock's-Foot Grass; Common Horsetail; Shiny, Rough and Striped Woodlice and the Gall (Cecidophyes rouhollahi) were also added.

22nd April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Crap weather, a lot of pain due to the hernia and the bad back, I cycled onwards and saw along a chosen short stretch from Garlic Corner to Didsbury Bridge:- Blackcap (*2); Goosander (*3): Treecreeper (*2); Song Thrush (*1): Dunnock (*1); Mandarin Duck (*1); Wood Pigeon (*2); Magpie (*1) and several Mallards.

Blooms noted were:- Wood Stitchwort; Ramsons; White Dead Nettle; Cow Parsley; Garlic Mustard; Ribwort Plantain and Wood Avens with the Galls (Biorhiza pallida) and (Eriophyes tiliae) looking good.

21st  April 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - The back and hernia are wicked at the mo, I am struggling along. I forced the issue after the mornings roamings with a spot off gardening and saw:- 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 8 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Fringe Cups was is flower.

21st April 2024 - Carnival Field, Wilmslow, Cheshire - After a lovely cafe break we had a wander around the periphery of this field and made a few records.

The flower list was made up of:- Dandelion agg; Daisy; Sycamore; Pignut; Creeping Buttercup; Hawthorn; Elder; Cuckooflower; Ribwort Plantain; Green Alkanet; Garlic Mustard; Cow Parsley; Broom; Pendulous Sedge; Spanish Bluebell; Herb Robert; Large Periwinkle; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Lesser Celandine; Wild Strawberry; Slender Speedwell; False Yellow Archangel; Thyme Leaved Speedwell and Field Wood Rush.

Insects were represented by:- 1 * Dagger Fly (Rhamphomyia subcinerascens); 1 * Hazelnut Weevil (Curculio nucum); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 2 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 25 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 7 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Other additions were:- Goldfinch; Carrion Crow; Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon; Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis) and Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) plus the Gall (Biorhiza pallida).

21st April 2024 - Lindow Common, Wilmslow, Cheshire - An early morn walk with the missus. The sun was being niggardly with its beams and was in no mood to rise early. We had a quick walk and then went into the nearby town centre for a coffee and a cinnamin swirl. The few insects seen on the walk and returning to the car were:- 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * March Fly (Bibio lanigerus); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Brown Willow Beetle (Galerucella lineola); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis decipiens); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus) and 7 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Birds listed were:- Blackcap; Chiffchaff; Canada Goose; Moorhen; Coot; Jay; Mallard; Goldcrest and Blackbird.

Galls listed were:- Biorhiza pallida; Eriophyes pyri; Andricus kollari and Protomyces macrosporus.

Blooms pondered were:- Pendulous Sedge; Cow Parsley; Marsh Marigold; Herb Robert; Gorse; Ribwort Plantain; Dandelion agg; Garlic Mustard; Spanish Bluebell and False Yellow Archangel.

Other bits noted were:- White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis) and Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus).

20th April 2024 - Crewe FC, Cheshire - A new footy ground and whilst doing a report and watching 6 goals fly in I recorded a few insects:- 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 4 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 8 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax): 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major) and 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

Flowers in bloom were:- Daisy; Dandelion agg; Field Wood Rush; Thale Cress; Common Mouse Ear; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Groundsel; Shepherd's Purse; Hawthorn; Red Dead Nettle; Chickweed; Garlic Mustard; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Meadow Buttercup.

The few birds noted were:- Jackdaw; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Blue Tit and Wood Pigeon.

I also recorded some splendid Silver Birches.

20th April 2024 - Queens Park, Crewe, Cheshire - A public park, we have done a few of late and they are better for wildlife than what people think. After a coffee and some breakfast we had a lovely stroll prior to some more Non-League Footy. Insects seen were:- 2 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrstris); 16 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 5 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 10 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 6 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * Nomad Bee (Nomada fabriciana); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) and 7 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) .

Birds listed were:- Carrion Crow; Mistle Thrush; Canada Goose; Mallard; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Feral Pigeon; Wood Pigeon; Mute Swan; Blue Tit; Buzzard; Moorhen; Coot; Blackbird; Feral Barnacle Goose; Blackcap; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Robin; Treecreeper; Goldfinch and Grey Wagtail.

Blooms included:- Hawthorn; Herb Robert; Daisy; Cow Parsley; Dandelion agg; Groundsel; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Common Field Speedwell; Slender Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Germander Speedwell; Thale Cress; Common Mouse Ear; Field Wood Rush; Garlic Mustard; Pendulous Sedge; Red Dead Nettle; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Wild Strawberry; Lesser Celandine; Chickweed; Wavy Bittercress; Spanish Bluebell; Horse Chestnut; Pendunculate Oak; Ribwort Plantain; Colt's-Foot; Ribwort Plantain; Cuckooflower; Gorse; Laburnum; Shepherd's Purse; Marsh Marigold; White Dead Nettle; Colt's-Foot and Wood Anemone.

Also added were:- Several Brown Rats and Grey Squirrels; Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and the Galls:- Taxomyia taxi; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Biorhiza pallida and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum.

A new one for us was the Horse Chestnut Scale (Pulvinaria regalis).

20th April 2024 - Quakers Coppice, Crewe, Cheshire - A real quiet area with only 4 folk seen, which is always a bonus. The woodland was serene and looked to be well managed. It was early morn but we still managed to see a few insects:- 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus); 11 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans) and 1 * Green Longhorn Moth (Adela reaumurella).

Birds seen were:- Chiffchaff; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Nuthatch; Chaffinch; Wren; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Stock Dove; Blackbird; Blackcap; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Great Spotted Woodpecker and Robin.

Flowers in bloom were:- Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Daisy; Bugle; Holly; Lords and Ladies; Hawthorn; Ramsons; Wood Anemone; Garlic Mustard; Spanish Bluebell; Gorse; Red Campion; Herb Robert; Dandelion agg; Ground Ivy; Dog's Mercury and Bluebell.

Also added were the Galls:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Aceria campestricola as well as Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and 2 Grey Squirrels.

Hornbeams were looking decent and the whole area had a feel of Spring.

19th April 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A cycle home after a long week at work. A coffee and before I could get started on a mooch the rain began. I hopped on my bike and buggered off home but I did record a few fungi and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; 2 * Harlequin Ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis); a Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and Field Maple, Creeping Buttercup and Cuckooflower in bloom - not a lot but better than a kick in the conkers.

19th April 2024 - Thornfield Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - The hernia is getting on my wick, it is affecting my back and along with the weather my patience is being tested.  A short stroll was had around a park near my office, it is a mini-area and not designated for nature.  I did see however:- 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Privet Leaf Miner (Gracillaria syringella); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 2 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Gooden's Nomad Bee (Nomada goodeniana) and 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina).  The only blooms spied were:- Daisy; Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell and Slender Speedwell.  I also spied 6 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis).

18th April 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A midday stroll to ease the legs, back and pesky hernia.  Wall Speedwell was now in flower and down a usual back alley, where I like to record species, Pendulous Sedge; Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Green Alkanet; Lilac and Ivy leaved Speedwell were putting on a show.  Due to the chill only a few insect species were seen:- 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata 2 of which were f. quadripustulata); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 10 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Melansotoma scalare); 6 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

I also saw a male House Sparrow and the Gall (Phyllocoptes goniothorax).

17th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Heading home, the clouds started to leak but I did spy 2 * Blackbird; a Song Thrush; Sycamore; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup and Garlic Mustard in flower as well as 5 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Clarke's MIning Bee (Andrena clarkella); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale).

16th April 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - The final stretch of the cycle home, I dismounted again and had a mooch and duly saw:- 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) and 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus).

Shining Crane's-Bill; Sycamore; Thale Cress and Rowan were all sporting flowers.

16th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A day at work, a day of hefty showers. A quick look in the orchard on the way home revealed:- 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Thistle Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) and 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus).

14th April 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Once home I had to trim the Ivy in the front garden, do the dishes and have a potter in the back yard. I fed the birds and 2 House Sparrows, 2 Wood Pigeons and a Collared Dove were soon filling the bellies.

Insects seen were:- 2 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina).

14th April 2024 - Ridgeway Grundy Park, Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire - After a smashing breakfast and a good coffee a short walk was had at this new and somewhat small area. All these plcaes count, we saw a few insects too:- 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 102 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 15 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 3 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melangyna lasiophthalma) and 1 * Saw-Fly (Aglaostigma fulvipes).

Flowers blooming were:- Slender Speedwell; Chickweed; Garlic Mustard; Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg; Daisy; Marsh Marigold; Spanish Bluebell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Groundsel; Field Wood Rush; Cuckooflower; Hawthorn; Ramsons and Honesty.

The only birds seen were a Wood Pigeon; a Song Thrush and a Treecreeper.

Also added were Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).