Earlier this year, on one of my few walks during self-isolation, we discovered the Luton loop via Prophet’s Lane and what a delight it was. As we passed by John & Anne Baxter’s house he told us that Anne had seen 
tell-tale signs of beaver damage to trees further along the lane on the River Tale, which she later confirmed. What wonderful news!
The autumn colour in our garden was more fleeting than ever this year but even more vibrant. The leaves have now been carefully mown 
up and added to their designated compost heap, which means that this time next year they will have rotted down to produce the best compost available.
Did you see the arrival of the Scandinavian thrushes? The first I saw of them was on the last day of October – large groups of Redwings and Fieldfares. Greater numbers than usual were reported a few weeks earlier crossing over into Yorkshire and it takes a while for them to work their way southwards. Perhaps such numbers presages a colder winter, which ties in with a report that this is another El Nino year. So, order your logs now in readiness!
Have you also heard the Tawny & Little Owls calling after dark? There seems to be at least 
one family of each around the village and occasionally we are treated to a garden visit.
Covid 19 has had an impact on all of us and we are unlikely ever to forget this year. Having ever more time to spend in the garden I have set myself several challenges. The first was to build a “bug mansion”, which has allowed me to tidy up certain areas. This two story ‘rustic’ erection measures some six foot square, built with old shed doors, 
large chunks of wood and leaves. Holes have been drilled into the wood in the hope that this will encourage beetles and bees to occupy them next year.
My second major challenge is to document a natural history of 
Moorside – perhaps not quite in the manner of Gilbert White, although that may come later. What prompted me was the discovery of a miniscule multi-coloured bug Orthops campestris and a Moth Fly (both < 5mm). My main problem, however, is going to be the process of identification, which is proving really hard, but at this stage my list already stands at almost 1500 species.
Paul Lister 841696
