The last roost count was down to 12 birds.

An early start was made to get any counting done before the heat of the day became overbearing.

Thomas' sightings from a warm and sunny day at Drakelow in the south of Derbyshire.

It’s amazing the difference a few days can make when looking for plants.

Recent reports are of badger (twice in broad daylight), field mouse and several rabbit kits are now above ground.

The highlight, without doubt, was the finding of a Hairy Dragonfly.

A much brighter afternoon followed a very cool and overcast morning with the temperature struggling to reach 15C by mid-afternoon.

Drakelow Nature Reserve Saturday 26th May 2018 0815-1630.

Drakelow reed warbler.

With the barometer set ‘Fair’ and a temperature predicted at 16C the day was given over to a search for butterflies and dragonflies.