can anyone please identify this small bug we saw in our garden???

It's a shield bug! Also known as a stink bug! Will see if I can find out which species for you!

Hi Woodie, I'll leave the i.d.ing to MarJus but I just had to say what a brilliant photo!

Squirrel B said:

I just had to say what a brilliant photo!

Yes I second that! So often people post dreadful photos & expect you to work out what it is!! Luckily not had this with anyone on here!!

And by the way welcome Woodie!

Thanks to both of you for your welcome and  glad you liked the photo.  I visited the bug site suggested and have sent the pic to them for confirmation.  My bug certainly matches the photos on the site, the edges of the bug particularly, are identical.  

I don't know why I havent been to this forum before, we have been members for years, what a revelation!   I had rummaged for ages on the internet trying to find somewhere to send the photo without success and had given up.  It was after all, only my curiosity!

Rockwolf said:

 So often people post dreadful photos & expect you to work out what it is!! !

Hey MarJus - I can do you loads with only clear blue sky for bird i.d.s (as in "it went thataway...") if you want! ☺

Had to laugh at that last remark Squirrel - I have a lovely set of photographs of gannets feeding off the coast of Aberdovey - you guessed it - just sea and sand!!!

Rockwolf said:

Looks like it's a 'Sloe shield bug' (Dolycoris baccarum) see here: http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Pentatomidae/dolycoris_baccarum.html

Well done MarJus - you are good! :-)

Thanks MarJus, you were spot on.  I had a response from Tristan Bantock at the website I was advised to visit and he confirmed it is a "Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes - a very common shieldbug".

Many thanks, Woodie

Wow! Thanks Woodie and pleased to be of help! I always enjoy the challenges of identification!!