Marbled Whites

I was pleased to see a Marbled White yesterday and am hoping there's going to be more. My favourite butterfly so emblematic of meadows in the Lower Wye valley, seems to be in decline on this site based on the last couple of years. It is a species that doesn't spread widely so I am hoping there is still a viable breeding colony here. Old photo.

Fallow doe plus fawn hanging around

Much as the deer can be irritating when they eat orchids, they also have an entertaining side and the fawn practising its pronking in front of the house was exactly that.

Stoat seen yesterday

Always a thrill to see and it's been a while. This one was moving right in front of the downstairs office glass doors - about three metres from me as I longed on the settee. I wonder how they find this extreme heat.

1,000 up

We've broken the one thousand barrier for orchids for the first time. Our previous high was 945 orchids in 2023, following which the numbers crashed to 312 in 2024, recovered to 723 last year and now surged on again to 1011 this year (so far). Add to that a new species, (the Green-winged Orchid), and it's been a very good year. Photo is the Green-winged.

Waxcap #2 for 2026 here - Citrine Waxcap

The 'early' waxcaps are very early this year. Here's the second one, Citrine Waxcap (Hygrovcybe citrinovirens). Just the Dingy Waxcap to go.

New species - Common Striped Woodlouse

As previously mentioned there are many more woodlice than I imagined - here's one of them - the Common Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum).

Broad-bodied Chaser

My latest pond is still not looking very good - the water is a muddy brown colour but that didn't stop a Broad-bodied Chaser patrolling it relentlessly. Whether there is sufficient prey for any young it sires is an open question. I'm guessing they know what they are doing having been around for many millions of years. Old photo.