Queen Wasp

Another cool, greyish day with little time for photography. There was just enough warmth to encourage a few insects out, particularly in sheltered corners of the garden, This queen Common Wasp was very sluggish and allowed me to approach very closely while she investigated the Garlic Mustard leaf and then carefully cleaned her antennae.

After a Teams meeting to discuss the future management of Bainton Pit NR, it was time to get ready to go to a service of thanksgiving for our neighbour. He was a very popular figure at the local church, was a member of several local groups including the Gildenburgh Choir, U3A and the local Wildlife Trust group, so it was no surprise that the church was packed. The service was beautiful, very uplifting and a true celebration of his life. He will be much missed...

Afternoon tea was laid on in the church hall, and it was good to chat to several of our neighbours that we don't see that regularly - and to find out that one is going to be a grandmother for the second time this autumn.All our family then headed back to our house for a Thai take-away - a nice way to end quite an emotional day.