I'm shy...

...that's what it looks like this hoverfly might be saying :) In fact it's busy cleaning its face. This is quite a local species called Criorhina floccosa, and is associated with ancient woodlands. Pete found this one in Raveley Wood.

While he was there, I was recording another fifteen quadrats at Upwood Meadows, accompanied by Rosie who's really got the hang of vegetation surveying. Now that she's quite old she's happy to lie down next to me while I crawl around in the grass, and even knows not to cross the canes that mark out the edges.

Once we arrived back home it was time to assist Alex with completion of his last few pieces of work and then make dinner. Pete, Chris and I had liver and bacon with onion grave - something I haven't cooked for years. It was really delicious - I don't understand why Alex and Ben opted for a beefburger instead...