23rd March 2026 - Chorlton Water Park, G. Manchester - A morning cycle and mooch that was relaxed and with the priority just to get the legs stretched. The weather was cool but I did see:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris): 459 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Grey Patched Mining Bee (Andrena nitida); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Blooms noted were;- Rape; Flowering Wood Rush; Butterbur and Common Dog Violet.

The only birds recorded were:- Grey Heron; Magpie; Chiffchaff; Canada Goose; Mallard; Carrion Crow; Cormorant; Starling; House Sparrow; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Treecreeper; Wren; Dunnock; Ring Necked Parakeet; Blackbird and Mandarin Duck.

21st March 2026 - Church Ope, Portland, Dorset - A walk into Easton with the lasses, a breakfast, a mooch in the charity shops and then I headedd for a pootle whilst the lasses went back to the lighthouse before some Non-League football. Flowers recorded were:- Alexanders; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Herb Robert; Lesser Celandine; Shepherd's Purse; Common Whitlowgrass; Groundsel; Wall Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Bulbous Buttercup; Bulbous Comfrey and Common Field Speedwell.

Insect noted were:- 1 * Cereal Fly (Euleia heraclei); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 5 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis); 2 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma auricollis); 5 * Peacock (Aglais urticae); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma).

And the few birds listed were made up of:- 3 * Buzzard; 2 * Goldfinch; 1 * Magpie; 4 * Carrion Crow; 4 * Oystercatcher; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Chaffinch and 1 * Great Tit.

Also added were;- several Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); 12 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) and 8 * Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis).

20th March 2026 - Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset - We were tempted by more rockpooling so decided to retirn to this fine area. A coffee nabbed and the pools revealed:- 7 * Fragile Brittle Star (Ophiothrix fragilis); 49 * Cushion Star (Asterina gibbosa); 2 * Green Leaf Worm (Eulalia viridis); 6 * Blenny (Lipophrys pholis); 3 * Gem Anemone (Aulactinia verrucosa); 45 * Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus); 11 * Broad Clawed Porcelain Crab (Porcellana platycheles); a few Snakelocks Anemone (Anemonia viridis); numerous Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina); 16 * Shore Crab (Carcinus maeunus); 33 * Cornish Sucker (Lepadogaster purpurea); 21 * Worm Pipefish (Nerophis lumbriciformis); 4 * Velvet Swimming Crab (Necora puber); Star Ascidian (Botryllus schlosseri); 2 * Hooded shrimp (Athanas nitescens); 4 * Grey Sea Slug and eggs (Aeolidia papillosa); 2 * European Eel (Anguilla anguilla); a good spread of Flat Periwinkles (Littorina obtusata/fabalis); 2 * Hairy Crab (Pilumnus hirtellus); Breadcrumb Sponge (Halichondria panicea); 2 * Baltic isopod (Idotea balthica); lots of Common Limpet (Patella vulgata); 1 * Small Bristled Chiton (Acanthochitona crinita) and some more Rainbow Wrack (Cystoseira tamariscifolia).

Also seen were:- Blackbird; Pheasant; Oystercatcher; Carrion Crow; Mallard; House Sparrow and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Cereal Fly (Geomyza tripunctata) and 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

20th  March 2026 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Whilst the lasses got ready to go out I had a quick look at the top fields and recorded a few birds:- 6 * Dunnock; 1 * Skylark; 4 * Stonechat; 1 * Goldfinch; 3 * Stock Dove; a small flock of Satrling; 1 * Pheasant; 5 * Wheatear; 1 * Willow Warbler; 1 * Linnet; 1 * Meadow Pipit; 1 * Cormorant flying over; a few Herring Gull; a few Wood Pigeon and a couple of Magpie plus 1 * Great Tit in the Obs Garden and also added was a Firecrest the warden had caught, it gaves nice views in the hand.

Borage was in good flower.

19th March 2026 - Hengistbury Head, Dorset - The day ended with a good walk at a new area. The key to cover as much ground as possible to get a feel of the place. Bird species listed were:- Starling; Carrion Crow; Cormorant; Wood Pigeon; Skylark; Magpie; Mute Swan; Wigeon; Grey Heron; Black Headed Gull; Shelduck; Stonechat; Mallard; Long Tailed Tit; Jay; Goldfinch and Blackbird.

Flowers in bloom were:- Red Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Danish Scurvygrass; Thrift; Common Whitlowgrass; Shepherd's Purse; Daisy; Gorse; Alexanders and Greater Stitchwort.

The only insects seen were:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io) and 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Also added was Dilated Scalewort (Frullania dilatata).

18th March 2026 - Church Ope, Portland, Dorset - The day was whizzing by and we had friends to meet. A quick call off at this area and back to the Obs we went. 5 * Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) were nice to see and we also added a Kestrel; Magpie; a couple of Robins and a Carrion Crow.

Insects were represented by:- 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 3 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) and 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

Flowers recorded were:- Alexanders; Dandelion agg; Common Field Speedwell; Red Dead Nettle; Ivy Leaved Toadflax and Daisy.

A nice patch of Sea Ivory (Ramalina siliquosa) was the only other addition.

18th March 2026 - Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth, Dorset - A year since our last pootle here and once again the sun was beaming. A few birds noted were:- 1 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Pale Bellied Brent Goose; 1 * Cormorant; 2 * Oystercatcher; 1 * Wren; 1 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Jackdaw and numerous Herring Hulls.

A small number if insects took to the wing, these being;- 1 * Cliff Mining Bee (Andrena thoracica); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 2 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Yellow Legged Mining Bee (Andrena flavipes); 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 1 * Peacock (Aglais io).

A lovely walk on the beach was quite strange with one large area devoid of much life and then a small area of rockpools produncing a few results, these included:- some good patches of Red Ripple Bryozoan (Watersipora subatra) and Star Ascidian (Botryllus schlosseri); oodles of Sinistral Spiral Tubeworms (Spirorbis spirorbis) and Northern Rock Barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides); many Flat Periwinkles (Littorina obtusata/fabalis); 2 * European Sting Winkle (Ocenebra erinaceus); 1 * Blenny (Lipophrys pholis); 8 * Sea Spider (Nymphon gracile); 1 * Common Starfish (Asterias rubens); 1 * Green Sea Urchin (Psemmechinus miliaris); 6 * Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus); 20 * Broad Clawed Porcelain Crab (Porcellana platycheles); 2 * Snakelocks Anemone (Anemonia viridis); 8 * Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina); 11 * Shore Crab (Carcinus maenus); 1 * Brittle Star Fish (Ophiothrix fragilis); 1 * Sea Slug (Elysia viridis); 1 * Sea Gherkin (Pawsonia saxicola) and plenty of Common Limpet (Patella vulgata) and Black Footed Limpet (Patella depressa).

The only blooms noted were:- Common Field Speedwell; Groundsel; Daisy; Thale Cress; Dandelion agg; Rocket Salad; Greater Periwinkle; Alexanders; Lesser Celandine and Ivy Leaved Toadflax.

We also added the Gall (Trioza centranthi).

17th March 2026 - Durlston CP to Dancing Ledge, Swanage, Dorset - A coffee, a qui ck look at an art exihibition and as the sun came out so did 16 Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis) in all sizes and all shades from green to brown. We eventually set off on a good walk with the aim to try and find some early flowering Early Spider Orchids.

Whilst wandering we noted the following birds:- 7 * Jackdaw; 3 * Great Tit; 2 * Robin; 1 * Blackbird; 2 * Cormorant; 4 * Stonechat; 2 * Fulmar; 4 * Razorbill; 1 * Herring Gull; 1 * Kestrel; 3 * Oystercatcher; 1 * Skylark; 3 * Peregrine Falcon; 3 * Magpie; 1 * Great Black Backed Gull; 1 * Black Redstart; 2 * Linnet; 1 * Pheasant; 1 * Goldfinch; and several Meadow Pipit and Wood Pigeon

Blooms noted were:- Daisy; Alexanders; Danish Scurvygrass; Dandelion agg; Common Whitlowgrass; Lesser Celandine; Shepherd's Purse; Common Field Speedwell; Early Dog Violet; Sticky Mouse Ear; Groundsel and 3 * Early Spider Orchid.

The only insects added were:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis); 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 4 * Bloody Nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa); 2 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Oil Beetle(Meloe proscarabaeus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

Also added were:- 3 * Roe Deer; 1 * Grey Squirrel; Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum) and the Lichen (Ramalina fastigata) plus Dilated Scalewort (Frullania dilatata) growing on a bench.

17th March 2026 - Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset - A very brief low tide that wasn't as low as usual. We had a mooch anyway and saw:- several Flat Periwinkles (Littorina obtusata/fabalis); ; 3 * Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina); plenty of Common Limpet (Patella vulgata); 1 * Five Bearded Rockling (Ciliata mustela); 11 * Shore Crab (Carcinus maeunus); 1 * Montague's Crab (Xantho hydrophilus); 1 * Four Horned Spider Crab (Pisa Tetraodon); 2 * Brittle Star Fish (Ophiothrix fragilis); 2 * Cushion Star (Asterina gibbosa); 1 * Green Leaf Worm (Eulalia viridis); 1 * Blenny (Lipophrys pholis) and some Rainbow Wrack (Cystoseira tamariscifolia).

Birds noted were:- 1 * Meadow Pipit; 19 * Oystercatcher; 3 * Wood Pigeon; 3 * Pheasant; 2 * Blackbird; 2 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Herring Gull; 1 * Pied Wagtail; 1 * Robin; 2 * Magpie; 3 * Stonechat; 2 * Little Egret; 1 * Peregrine Falcon; 1 * Dunnock and 1 * Rook.

Blooms recorded were:- Alexanders; Greater Periwinkle; Lesser Celandine; Groundsel; Dandelion agg; and Common Mouse Ear.

We also saw a Hebrew Character Moth.

16th March 2026 - Arne RSPB, Dorset - We have visted this area many times over the years but not at this time of year. We took a different route, had a coffee break and then covered the usual areas. It was fairly quiet but the following bird species were recorded:- Raven; Curlew; Shelduck; Canada Goose; Little Egret; Wigeon; Greenfinch; Jackdaw; Mallard; Robin; Coal Tit; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Goldfinch; Siskin; Teal; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Wood Pigeon; Herring Gull; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Black Tailed Godwit; Red Breasted Merganser; Oystercatcher; Cormorant; Great Black Backed Gull and Pheasant.

Flowers in bloom were:- Little Mouse Ear; Dandelion agg; Gorse; Thale Cress; Common Field Speedwell; Greater Periwinkle; Dog's Mercury; Red Dead Nettle; Primrose and Ivy Leaved Speedwell.

Insect life was made up of:- 100's of Wood Ant (Formica rufa); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus); 8 * Common Darkling Beetle (Nalassus laevioctostriatus); 1 * Lesser Stag Beetle (Dorcus parallelipipedus); 1 * Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus problematicus); 2 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

Other additions were:- Grey Squirrel; the Moss (Funaria hygrometrica); 5 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 2 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 1 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); 1 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); several White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); a few Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); 2 * Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare) and 2 * Ant Woodlouse (Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii).

We also added the Lichens:- Ramalina fastigata; Ramalina farinacea; Flavoparmelia caperata; Evernia prunastri and the Gall (Aceria fraxinivora).

16th March 2026 - Wareham Common, Dorset - A pootle around the charity shops, a good breakfast and a chat with an artist and then a look at an area we haven't explored before. We were pushed for time as the parking was limited but we did record:- 1 * Little Egret; 3 * Glossy Ibis; 13 * Herring Gull; 1 * Great Black Backed Gull; 8 * Black Headed Gull; 2 * Mute Swan; 2 * Canada Goose; 2 * Mallard; 5 * Coot; 2 * Blackbird; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Wren; 1 * House Sparrow; 3 * Goldfinch; 1 * Moorhen plus a couple of Jackdaws; Wood Pigeons and Chaffinch and Blackcap on call.

Daisy; Lesser Cleandine; Alexanders; Gorse; Dandelion agg; Red Dead Nettle; Marsh Marigold; Chickweed and Thale Cress were in flower.

We also added a Brown Rat; a Rabbit; 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

15th March 2026 - Hive Beach to West Bexington, Dorset - Up and out and a good walk in the whipping winds. We ended up abolutely caked in mud but the key today was to just get some steps in. Birds noted along the way were:- 3 * Pied Wagtail; 1 * Black Headed Gull; 1 * Herring Gull; 1 * Goldfinch; 3 * Greenfinch; 2 * Blackbird; 4 * Starling; 6 * Stonechat; 2 * House Sparrow; 1 * Cormorant; 5 * Skylark; 6 * Linnet; 1 * Wren; 1 * Raven; 2 * Shelduck; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Meadow Pipit; 1 * Reed Bunting; 1 * Robin; 4 * Mute Swan; 21 * Shoveler; 1 * Moorhen; 7 * Coot and a nice healthy flock of Teal.

Flowers sporting blooms were:- Daisy; Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg; Danish Scurvygrass; Cowslip; Red Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell and Early Dog Violet.

We also saw a lone Rabbit, a few Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); 5 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 19 * Bloody Nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrstris);

We also added the Gall (Diastrophus rubi) and a new Lichen for us, namely Ramalina lacera.

14th March 2026 - Willow and Wetlands Centre, Taunton, Somerset - Off for a break down to the lighthouse and we needed a break. A good lunch and short walk. A few insects were noted:- 13 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 5 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Grey Patched Mining Bee (Andrena nitida); 1 * Box Bug (Gonocerus acuteangulatus) and 1 * Ground Beetle (Agonum marginatum).

Blooms noted were:- Groundsel; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Sticky Mouse-Ear; Dog's Mercury; Lesser Celandine; Red Dead Nettle; Daisy and Common Field Speedwell. An Alder was dripping with catkins.

The only birds seen were a Blackbird and a Wood Pigeon.

12th March 2026 - Norris Hill, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking to work in the wind, a sloping area and a Blackcap was singing but eluded my peepers.  Ground Ivy was now in flower, it seemed a little early but it was a nice surprise.

9th March 2026 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A cycle, a run round a football pitch 7 times, another cycle and a coffee and a short walk through this park before cycling home. 3 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 7 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 12 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 2 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) and 2 * Amber Snail (Succinea putris) were noted under a few logs and on vegetation and Green alkanet; Daisy; Lesser Celandine; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Marsh Marigold and Dandelion agg were in flower.

Mistletoe was in its usual place and the only bird species I recorded were:- Bullfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Ring Necked Parakeet; Dunnock; Mallard; Robin; Song Thrush; Blue Tit; Blackbird; Magpie and Wood Pigeon plus 5 * Chiffchaff on call.

I had too much to do to hang about today but a few records is better than none.

8th March 2026 - Brockholes LWT, Lancashire - Some food and a warm drink and then a walk. We didn't make a concerted efforted but we saw a nice haul of fungal specimens and the following bird species:- Chiffchaff; Goldfinch; Goldeneye; Carrion Crow; Pheasant; Blackbird; Coot; Teal; Shoveler; Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Lapwing; Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Mute Swan; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Moorhen; Great Tit; Dunnock; Wren; Goldcrest; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Song Thrush; Gadwall; Grey Wagtail; Chaffinch; Blue Tit; Cormorant; Wigeon; Oystercatcher; Reed Bunting; Grey Heron; Cetti's Warbler; Great Crested Grebe; Long Tailed Tit; Buzzard; Coal Tit and Nuthatch.

Blooms noted were:- Hazel; Colt's-Foot; Gorse; Lesser Celandine; Wood Anemone; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Daisy and Dog's Mercury. Field Wood Rush was now in flower too.

We also added:- 1 * Glossy Glass Snail (Oxychilus navarricus); 1 * Tree Slug (Lehmannia marginata); ; 1 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 28 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 2 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); 1 * Hairy Snail (Trochulus hispidus) as well as White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Common Toad (Bufo bufo); and a lone Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

The few lichens added were:- Parmelia sulcata; Parmotrema perlatum; Punctelia subrudecta; Physcia adscendens; Xanthora parietina and Graphis scripta.

7th March 2026 - Chorlton Water Park, G. Manchester - A walk with the lasses before my next Non-League game and my latest gig. We took it easy, nattered away and made haste but Hazel; Cherry Plum; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Spring Snowflake were in flower and we saw a few bird species too:- Feral Pigeon; Collared Dove; Wood Pigeon; Great Tit; Goldcrest; Grey Heron; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Dunnock; Goosander; Pochard; Tufted Duck; Wren; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Goldfinch and Chiffchaff.

The only insects on a dull day were a Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and the Beetle (Asaphidion curtum).

We also admired a Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); a Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); a Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and some splendid buds on an Ash Tree.

5th March 2026 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Homeward and a cut through this park as the clouds gathered. 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Rosemary Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina americana) and 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album) were all enjoyed.

Common Field Speedwell was putting up flowers here and there, 3 Girdled Snails (Hygromia cinctella) were seen as well as 7 * Goldfinch, 1 * Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 * Blackbird.

4th March 2026 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A break from the work desk, sunny skies meant that I had a stroll around the streets and looked for the bug life, I duly recorded:- 1 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes);15 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 32 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) and 4 * Rosemary Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina americana).

A nice patch of Thale Cress warmed the cockles.

3rd March 2026 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick walk to the shops, I saw:- 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 20 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 40 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 4 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana) and 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina).

3rd March 2026 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk/cycle to work, contemplating the know-it-alls who do nowt.  Hey ho, a hopeless situation.  A few birds were seen, the years fist Chiffchaff flitting about and calling was mighty special. Also noted were:- 1 * Greenfinch; 2 * Canada Goose; 1 * Robin; 1 * Magpie; 2 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Song Thrush and 2 * Wood Pigeon.

On the way home I checked a Gorse bush and noted 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

1st March 2026 - Abbot's/Shemmy Moss/Whitegate Way, Cheshire - A gentle walk and a small haul of fungi along with a few bird species:- 4 * Blue Tit; 3 * Cormorant; 3 * Coot; 5 * Mallard; 1 * Buzzard; 1 * Jackdaw; 1 * Reed Bunting; 1 * Robin; 3 * Teal; 4 * Long Tailed Tit; 2 * Mute Swan; 12 * Canada Goose; 8 * Tufted Duck; 2 * Great Crested Grebe; 5 * Black Headed Gull; 4 * Blackbird; 1 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Magpie; 1 * Wren; 1 * Mistle Thrush; 1 * Starling and 2 * Greylag Goose.

Lichens added were:- Xanthoria parietina; Punctelia subrudecta; Cladonia fimbriata; Physcia adscendens and Evernia prunastri.

Gorse; Common Whitlow Grass; Lesser Celandine; Chickweed and Dandelion agg were in flower and we also added some Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); a Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica); 2 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 4 * Weevil (Andrion regensteinense) and 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

We also saw a couple of Palmate Newts (Lissotriton helveticus) and a couple of Smooth Newts (Lissotriton vulgaris) - little dinosaurs of the woodland methinks.

Also identified was a a Wood Ant (Formica lemani).

23rd February 2026 - Longford Park, Stretford, G. Manchester - After an absolute belting breakfast bap and Latte in Sale, a cycle and a quick mooch through this park was had. I didn't hang about, the weather was getting dull but I did record:- 4 * Magpie; 1 * House Sparrow; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Robin; 1 * Ring Necked Parakeet; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Starling; 1 * Blackbird and 1 * Carrion Crow.

Red Dead Nettle and Chickweed were in flower.

23rd February 2026 - Bridgewater Canal, Stratford, G. Manchester - A cycle with the head down and Sale the target. Along a short stretch of canal I had a walk and record a few birds:- 1 * Wren; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Canada Goose; 1 * Mallard; 3 * Magpie; 1 * Goldcrest; 4 * Long Tailed Tit; 2 * Blackbird; 3 * House Sparrow; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 4 * Starling; 1 * Goldfinch and 5 * Feral Pigeon.

Pineappleweed was in flower.

9th February 2026 - Hough End Clough area, Chorlton, G. Manchester - A small but new area inspected, the few bird species seen were:- Carrion Crow; Greenfinch; Goldfinch; Grey Heron; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Robin; Mallard; Common Gull; Black Headed Gull; Blackbird and Great Tit.

Hazel; Gorse and Groundsel were in flower, a few Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni) were seen as well as Pendulous Sedge; White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); a few Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and the aging Galls:- Andricus lignicola; Andricus kollari agg and Andricus foecundatrix.

9th February 2026 - Alexandra Park, Moss Side, G. Manchester - A cycle and a short pootle. Birds seen were:- 2 * Lesser Black Backed Gull; 112 * Black Headed Gull; 4 * Common Gull; 2 * Wren; 17 * Tufted Duck; 20 * Mallard; 2 * Moorhen; 1 * Mute Swan; 2 * Coot; 2 * Robin; 1 * Song Thrush; 1 * Goosander; 3 * Dunnock; 2 * Siskin; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Cormorant plus a few Magpie; Redwing; Ring Necked Parakeet; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Canada Goose and Feral Pigeon.

1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 2 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 4 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) and several White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) were added too.

8th February 2026 - Spike Island, Widnes, Cheshire - A very mild day and after the previous nights busy gig a stroll was needed. Birds noted along the way were:- 1 * Common Gull; 112 * Shelduck; 60 * Mallard; 15 * Moorhen; 19 * Coot; 5 * Gadwall; 14 * Cormorant; 23 * Tufted Duck; 11 * Oystercatcher; 1 * Curlew; 6 * Long Tailed Tit; 1 * Kestrel; 11 * Redshank; 2 * Great Tit; 7 * Blackbird; 10 * Mute Swan; 3 * Grey Heron; 18 * Teal; 2 * Robin; 1 * Song Thrush; 1 * Wren; 3 * Little Grebe; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * House Sparrow; 2 * Greenfinch; 6 * Goldfinch; 3 * Blue Tit; 1 * Reed Bunting; 2 * Pied Wagtail; plus plenty of Canada Geese; Feral Pigeons; Black Headed Gulls and the odd Great Black Backed Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull and Herring Gull plus a few Carrion Crows; Wood Pigeons and Magpies.

Blooms picked out included:- Dandelion agg; Gorse; Common Whitlow Grass; Canadian Fleabane; Hazel; Thale Cress; Common Field Speedwell Chickweed; Daisy; Shepherd's Purse and Red Dead Nettle. We also added Wall Rue.

We saw a couple of Grey Squirrels plus Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens) and 10 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus).

The only galls seen were old specimens of:- Andricus kollari agg and Diplolepis rosae.

7th February 2026 - Moss Bank Park, Bolton, Lancashire - A short pre-gig walk, we didn't see much but the few things we did see we recorded. The few birds seen were:- 1 * Song Thrush; 2 * Blackbird; 1 * Robin; 1 * Magpie; 1 * Treecreeper and a few Black Headed Gulls.

Winter Heliotrope was in flower and we also added 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); plenty of Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); a Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); a White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); a few Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and the Lichens:- Ramalina farinicae; Xanthoria parietina; Punctelia subrudecta; Hypotrachyna afrorevoluta and Evernia prunastri.

3 old Galls were added:- Andricus lignicola; Andricus kollari agg and Andricus foecundatrix.

It was nice to find 2 New Zealand Flatworms (Arthurdendyus triangulatus) too although they are an invasive and destructive species.

6th February 2026 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - Working week done, a cycle and a coffee and a nip through this park. More trees were being cut down, more fiddling without looking at micro habitat - I didn't hang about, the mere thought of this idiot vandalism depresses me. Alas the zombies on the phone won't notice.

A nice fungus was noted, a Smooth Newt and Wood Avens in flower plus:- 26 * Mallard; 3 * Black Headed Gull; 2 * Magpie; 1 * Canada Goose; 3 * Moorhen; 2 * Coot; 3 * Robin; 3 * Great Tit; 1 * Blackbird; 3 * Blue Tit and 1 * Coal Tit.

2nd February 2026 - Wythenshawe Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A cycle, a walk around this park with a midway coffee. A cold day but insects recorded were:- 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Platyderus depressus) and 1 * Ground Beetle (Leistus fulvibarbis).

Birds counted today were:- 19 * Magpie; 4 * Ring Necked Pararkeet; 4 * Robin; 4 * Wood Pigeon; 39 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Jackdaw; 2 * Blackbird; 2 * Goldcrest; 4 * Feral Pigeon; 1 * Nuthatch; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Long Tailed Tit; 29 * Common Gull; 5 * Black Headed Gull; 25 * Siskin; 1 * Goldfinch; 2 * Blue Tit; 1 * Song Thrush; 2 * Mallard; 1 * Jay and 1 * Wren;

I also spied 5 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); a Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); a Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); a Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); a Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and a Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica).

Groundsel; Daisy and Red Dead Nettle were the only blooms noted.

A few old galls added were:- Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus kollari agg; Andricus aries; Andricus inflator; Andricus lignicola and Taxomyia taxi.

1st February 2026 - Blackleach CP, Salford, G. Manchester - A new month but tired, demotivated and with lots to do. The rain was falling and we just had a terse walk before going for a coffee and to do the shopping. Birds were fed and those recorded were:- 1 * Great Spotted Woodpecker; 6 * Magpie; 2 * Carrion Crow; 3 * Wood Pigeon; 3 * Moorhen; 4 * Blue Tit; 2 * Great Tit; 3 * Blackbird; 3 * Robin; 4 * Dunnock; 27 * Black Headed Gull; 14 * Mute Swan; 5 * Gadwall; 2 * Goosander; 15 * Tufted Duck; 1 * Song Thrush; 3 * Collared Dove; 4 * Starling; 3 * Long Tailed Tit plus plenty of Canada Geese; Mallards and Coots.

Gorse was the only bloom seen and the Lichen (Physcia adscendens) was noted as well as a brace of Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) queens.

26th January 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A cycle into town for some low-sugar chocolate and a coffee and then a walk down the Mersey on a quite day. Birds counted without using the bins were:- 23 * Mallard; 7 * Magpie; 4 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Goldcrest; 11 * Feral Pigeon; 3 * Grey Wagtail; 2 * Blue Tit; 2 * Kingfisher; 2 * Robin; 2 * Dipper; 1 * Wren; 11 * Long Tailed Tit; 3 * Moorhen; 3 * Goosander; 3 * Cormorant; 1 * Blackbird; 23 * Black Headed Gull; 2 * Great Tit; 7 * Carrion Crow; 47 * Canada Goose and 1 * Grey Heron.

Groundsel was in flower and I recorded the Mosses:- Grimmia pulvinata and Tortula muralis.

19th January 2026 - Ladybrook Cycleway, Stockport, G. Manchester - A few fungi on a very short mooch and 2 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); plenty of Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); 3 * Song Thrush; 1 * Dunnock; 5 * Ring Necked Pararkeet; 1 * Grey Heron; 3 * Robin; 3 * Blackbird; 1 * House Sparrow; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Blue Tit and 1 * Great Tit.

I also recorded Elegant Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum) and Hart's Tongue Fern.

18th January 2026 - Hob Hey Woods, Frodsham, Cheshire - A meet-up with local patcher and top gent Mark O' Sullivan in weather best classed as 'bilge'. Fungi were the main focus but I did record:- Shiny; Rough and Striped Woodlouse and a few bird species, namely:- Reed Bunting; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; House Sparrow; Great Tit; Redwing and Blackbird.

Gorse and Dandelion agg were in flower and the Lichens seen included:- Physcia adscendens; Physcia aipolia; Xanthoria parietina; Parmotrema perlatum and Punctelia subrudecta. 2 old Galls noted were:- Andricus foecundatrix and Andricus lignicola.

Also added was the Springtail (Dicyrtomina ornata).

17th January 2026 - Davyhulme Park, Trafford, G. Manchester - A pre-footy potter after some lunch in a cafe. A small urban park but we did record:- 6 * Moorhen; 1 * Blackbird; 4 * Mallard; 2 * Magpie; 1 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Blue Tit and 1 * Wood Pigeon.

Groundsel and Daisy were in flower, we saw a Grey Squirrel and a few fungi too. It all counts.

13th January 2026 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short pootle after getting soaked on the bike. A few fungi and a few Lichens:- Xanthoria parietina; Physcia aipolia; Evernia prunastri and Physcia adscendens.

The only birds I recorded were:- 1 * Bullfinch; 3 * Robin; 4 * Great Tit; 2 * Blue Tit; 1 * Long Tailed Tit; 4 * Blackbird and 3 * Carrion Crow.

I also spied 4 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger).

9th January 2026 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A dreary time of year and due to many factors, the motivation has dipped. Whilst heading home I did note a Blue Tit; Great Tit; Jay, Magpie and Carrion Crow plus a few Robins; 2 * Ring Necked Parakeet; 8 * Long Tailed Tit and 10 * Goldfinch.

Lesser Celandine was in flower and under a few logs I noted:- 8 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 3 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); a White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and a big fat Common Toad (Bufo bufo).

Also seen was the Ground Beetle (Pterostichus nigrita/rhaeticus agg) and the Rove Beetle (Ocypus brunnipes).

5th January 2026 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - After popping for some veg and a coffee I set off back home through this local area. A chat with a lovely lady feeding the birds, a short wander and I saw:- 2 * Chaffinch; 1 * Jay; 1 * Great Spotted Woodpecker; 2 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 2 * Robin; 1 * Long Tailed Tit; 1 * Blue Tit; 2 * Great Tit; 2 * Blackbird; 1 * Nuthatch; 1 * Coal Tit; 1 * Song Thrush; 2 * Magpie; 2 * Dunnock; 6 * Mallard; 5 * Coot and 13 * Moorhen.

I also saw a Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and 3 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis).

4th January 2026 - Greenway Bank, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire - A good circular walk, around the upper areas and The Serpentine we saw a few birds:- Jackdaw; Pied Wagtail; Black Headed Gull; Carrion Crow; Redwing; Treecreeper; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Coal Tit; Goldcrest; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Goldfinch; Blackbird; House Sparrow; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Nuthatch and 3 * Little Egret.

We also saw a 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and the LIchen (Punctelia subrudecta).

Around Knypersley Reservoir we clocked up more bird species:- plenty of Coots; Black Headed Gulls; Cormorants and Mallards plus 30 * Tufted Duck; 7 * Coal Tit; 10 * Goosander; 1 * Treecreeper; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Wren; 1 * Marsh Tit and fair numbers of Blue Tit; Moorhen; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Robin as well as the odd Nuthatch; Canada Goose and Lesser Black Backed Gull. A couple of strange Muscovy Ducks were also in the mix.

3rd January 2026 - Hookgate NR, Market Drayton, Shropshire - No footy so a quick look at this area and then to the local charity shops were I picked up a great 'Pulp Fiction' collection of retro stories. In this tiny frosted area the few birds noted were:- 1 * Blackbird; 5 * Jackdaw; 1 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Common Redpoll; 1 * Robin; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Wren and a few Mallard and Starling.

Gorse was in flower and a 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) was stupidly braving the cold.

3rd January 2026 - Telford Park, Shropshire - An early morning walk before some shopping and then finding out all local football matches were off. The snow had fallen, it was an icy affair, bird species noted were:- Buzzard; Blackbird; Robin; Magpie; Great Tit; Carrion Crow; Goldfinch; Feral Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Coot; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Moorhen; Mallard; Redwing; Dunnock; Long Tailed Tit; Blue Tit; Song Thrush; Tufted Duck; Grey Heron; Jay; Goldcrest and Pied Wagtail.

The only other things noted were a few fungi, a grey Squirrel and Hart's Tongue Fern.

2nd January 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Heading homeward, a check of a few logs revealed:- Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Girdled Snail (Hygromia cinctella); Plaited Door Snail (Cochlodina laminata); Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and a Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus).

I also saw a 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); the Ground Beetle (Nebria brevicollis); the Harvestman (Paroligolophus agrestis); 2 * Magpie; 2 * Goosander; 3 * Carrion Crow; 82 * Black Headed Gull; 22 * Canada Goose; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Robin and Lesser Celandine and Hazel in flower.

2nd January 2026 - Chorlton Water Park, G. Manchester - A quick circle of the main body of water and home, it was too cold to dawdle. Birds recorded were:- 19 * Tufted Duck; 8 * Long Tailed Tit; 2 * Mute Swan; 3 * Goosander plus Cormorant; Mallard; Canada Goose; Coot; Black Headed Gull; Feral Pigeon; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Moorhen; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Blackbird; House Sparrow and Starling.

I see the feeding station is no longer used and the area left to go to pot - another area with folk showing little interest it seems.

The only other addition was Shepherd's Purse in flower.

1st January 2025 - Pennington Flash, Leigh, G. Manchester - A catch up with my brother at an area that isn't really a nature reserve any more. I mean, what reserve for wildlife sees it swamped with people who are not interested, dogs running wild and the water filled with boats. Around the cafe area was horribly busy, people dressed in their finery and as clean as you can imagine. Hey ho, we came off grubby after a good yomp and saw a few nice things.

Mini-beasts were few, it was mighty cool, but we did see:- 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Leafhopper (Zygina flammigera); 1 * Ground Beetle (Ocys harpaloides/tachysoides agg); several Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) as well as the Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum) and the Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica).

4 * Common Frog (Rana temporaria), a Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) and a Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) as well as several Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis).

Groundsel; Common Vetch; Wavy Bittercress; Gorse; Sweet Violet; White Dead Nettle and Daisy were the only flowers noted.

Old galls picked out included:- Andricus foecundatrix; Agathomyia wankowiczii; Andricus lignicola and Andricus kollari agg.

Bird species seen today were:- Buzzard; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Little Grebe; Little Egret; Grey Heron; Goosander; Lapwing; House Sparrow; Stock Dove; Wren; Treecreeper; Herring Gull; Common Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Great White Egret; Goldeneye; Great Black Backed Gull; Pheasant; Sparrowhawk; Pochard; Moorhen; Coot; Canada Goose; Black Headed Gull; Mute Swan; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Cormorant; Tufted Duck; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Redwing; Blackbird; Nuthatch; Robin; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Bullfinch; Reed Bunting; Chaffinch; Teal; Siskin; Goldfinch; Shoveler; Gadwall; Mandarin Duck; Oystercatcher; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Grey Wagtail and Carrion Crow. We also had Jay on call.

Lichens seen were:- Physcia aipolia; Parmotrema perlatum; Physcia tenella; Lecidella elaeochroma and Xanthoria parietina.