It has been a while since I went to Broaks wood, so I thought I go for the day to see what was about.

“There’s a an Azure damselfly over there!” said a familiar voice.

“ I know, I’ve seen it”.

“You’re getting good!” said the dragonfly-man.

“I’ve had a good teacher over the years,” I replied.

The sticks were already put in at angles around the pond, making it easy to focus on the larger four-spotted chasers.

Of course, there was an abundance of wildflowers around the woods, including these common spotted orchids.

I’m not sure how this mole met his demise, but it’s not the first time I’ve seen a dead mole in this exact spot.

It’s the first time I’ve seen a red admiral this year.

Great willowherb was seen on the side of some the paths.

Closer to home, I went on an evening safari around the local area. I’ve got some exciting news to tell you soon about this area.

Freshly cut hay means wildlife like this hare is easier to spot despite him trying to stay hidden by laying his ears down flat.

On the edges of the seldom used paths, there’s plenty of low lying biting stonecrop.

Newly hatched burnet moths feed on the scabious (field scabious I think)

I managed to sneak up to about 10 yards to take this shot of two young little owls.

And so ended a great couple of days in the woods and the fields of Essex.

I hope you have a good week ahead.