Macro Shots from Lackford

As well as enjoying the Egret and Hawkmoth action at Lackford, John and I enjoyed a macro session in our usual Wasp Spider corner and were lucky to find one with an egg cocoon along with other spiders and quite a few plant bugs!! (ID sheet at end)

Toft Garden 16th June 2026

The insects and spiders were very active in yesterday's warm sultry weather with a couple of species of spiders (Xysticus and Philodromus species) enjoying the abundant prey (Large-headed Resin bees etc) with several Large Red Damselflies also looking for prey. I always enjoy the early stages of the Ant Damsel and Red Bugs. ID sheet at end.

Newdigate Brickworks

 Newdigate Brickworks opened 1928 and finally closed in 1974. The site was abandoned until the turn of the century when it was decided to build a housing development with the remainder as a nature reserve run by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. There are two lakes and a series of smaller ponds. The mosaic of woodland, scrub, grassland, marsh, water-side and aquatic vegetation communities makes the site particularly diverse. Around 220 plant species have been recorded for the site (including 27 ancient woodland indicator species). Lots to photograph including Butterflies, Moths, Bugs and Bees! Here just a selection of generally common species but I will update when I manage to identify this very small but feisty spider. 

Trumpington Meadows 9th May

 The warm weather on Saturday brought out lots of insects and spiders. I was trying to concentrate on compositions rather than just unusual species looking for interesting backgrounds and different focus/exposure settings. ID sheet at the end