The future entomologist...

As part of National Insect Week, our local Wildlife Trust had organised an insect day at Trumpington Meadows near Cambridge, which is an amazing new nature reserve and country park created in conjunction with a housing development. Fifty-eight acres of former arable land adjacent to the River Cam now supports species-rich flower meadows, buzzing with butterflies and bees. Pete was one of the two entomologists present, and I went along to photograph some of the insects and the event.

I was really glad of the focus and distraction the day provided, which prevented me from dwelling obsessively on yesterday's news. The families that came along were a joy, diverse in character and most stayed for some considerable time, hunting for insects, coming to have them identified and chatting about them. This little boy was a star, just so engrossed in everything that was caught, and already keen to take photographs with his own camera. I'm sure that he has the makings of a very successful scientist - now it's up to all of us to make sure that there is a secure future for science and wildlife in the future, whatever the final outcome of  yesterday's vote.