Moth trapping in the meadow at the end of August produced a few new species including Swallow Prominent, Dusky Thorn and Centre-barred Sallow. I was accompanied throughout by the calls of teenagers having fun by the brook on what was a dry and balmy night.

Grey Squirrels have only recently been added to the species list for the meadow and while talking to someone recently it occurred to me that squirrels seem very uncommon in the village – at least where I live. I have well-stocked bird feeders out most of the time and I’m never troubled despite there being an old hedge and mature trees adjacent. Is everyone in Keyworth as free from this “welcome entertaining guest/ furry-tailed rat pest” (Delete as appropriate) as me? If so, it would be intriguing to understand why, for I’m sure that less-wooded areas are well populated by them. I did have one in my garden once, about twenty years ago, which I take to have been a dispersing juvenile.

The winter work parties will be resuming at the beginning of November (Sundays at 9.00 for a few hours). We are always able to make good use of volunteers!