not suitable for arachnophobes

this could be an example of the false black widow spider (steatoda grossa, and very gross indeed) that has been in the news recently but probably isn't. The ghoulish sight to the bottom left is either last year's skin, or a recent meal. The dogs left it well alone.

take me to your leader

a cockchafer (or May bug) paid a flying visit last night. They are very slow and noisy fliers and the dogs can easily catch them in mid air, this seems rather a waste of the long haul they have from larvae to adult. The antennae on the males (as here) have a very elaborate and odd looking .design

in the bluebell glade

bluebell glade, Kelly Bray woods, painting by PaintshopPro from an original photo. The bluebells are abundant this year.

flowers in paradise

in the sunny clearings in the wood the beautiful and subtle tones of bitter vetch stand out like beacons, the cowwheat is already out. Let's hope the heath fritillary returns

paradise

I truly believe that when the sun is up and the bluebells are out this is a little bit of paradise.

mother's little helper

shattering the space time fabric of calm reflection, am I drowning or what? Helping mum comes naturally.