Tony Drakeford

Wildlife is now preparing to hunker down for the winter and there are signs of this happening all around us.

Britain has lost ninety-seven percent of its wildflower meadows since the end of the second world war, a very sad state of affairs.

At the bottom of next door's garden stands a very tall bushy leylandii tree, near the top of which magpies have nested for the past two years.

As the coarse fishing seasons I recall how as a boy, I spent many happy hours fishing in my local common pond, not only catching fish but watching them too was equally important.

Thronging streams and lakes now are several species of damselfly, the largest of which is the magnificent banded demoiselle, my favourite insect.

A disappointing and unseasonable wet cold windy May was not good news for nesting birds.

Having spotted my first swift on 28th April, I saw no more until 9th May when four flew screaming over the garden, although sadly, none nest locally any more.

One of our most attractive spring butterflies is the orange tip.

Having hibernated throughout the winter, queen wasps are now busy constructing their nests.

Although the majority of our moths are nocturnal, there are also several species of day-flying moths in Britain.