Last week one of our protected, year-round residents was spotted in the Peak District, the great crested newt, whose black spots on their orange bellies are as unique as finger prints and can be used to identify individuals. Nearby, a flock of bramblings were spotted, these small birds are winter visitors from northern Europe and Asia. A close relative of the chaffinch, they often form a flock together, as well as with other finches, but can be told apart by their white rump.

If you want to help the birds who visit your garden its important to clean any nest boxes you have to help stop the spread of diseases and at the end of the nesting season is a great time to do this, for more information see the link below. Another way you can help wildlife this month is by reducing the amount of single use plastic you use this Halloween, see the link below.

How to clean nestboxes and bird feeders: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-clean-nestboxes-and-bird-feeders

How to have a plastic- free Halloween: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-have-plastic-free-halloween

We are looking forward to reading about your wildlife sightings across Derbyshire. To submit your own sighting and be featured in a future blog go to www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/record-sighting.

Thank you Tim Boursnell for submitting your wildlife sightings.