Bringing you a recent sightings update based on the photos that have been sent in by visitors and volunteers!
Firstly, the birds...
Green sandpiper by Gareth Hughes
Little ringed plover by Gary Trew
Peregrine by Gary Trew.
West Mead hide has been particularly good over the past few days with green sandpiper, greenshank, dunlin and little ringed plover showing very well. Out on the heathland, by black pond we've been seeing spotted flycatcher (one of my favourite birds).
Secondly, the dragonflies...
Brown hawker by Gareth Hughes
Emperor by Gary Trew
Emerald damselfly by Gary Trew
The dragonfly viewing area next to black pond on the heath is now open - head through the pedestrian gate to gain closer views of the dragons and damsels.
Thirdly, the butterflies:
Gatekeeper by Gareth Hughes
Brown argus by Gary Trew
Small skipper by Martin Parker
The fleabane on the zig zag path is now flowering so this is a great spot for butterfly watching. Pick up a big butterfly count spotting sheet in the visitor centre and see who you can find.
Fourthly, the other insects...
Four banded longhorn beetle by Martin Parker
Roesel's bush cricket by Keith Harris.