Arable Emily

I am so pleased as I deliberately introduced garlic mustard to my garden in an attempt to attract them as they are my favourite butterfly! I will keep it safe!

A little research appears to lead me towards an orange tip crysalis....

Brilliant day in the garden today. Lots done. Came across this however.....does anyone have any ideas as to who it belongs to?

Feb 14th. A day to reflect on things you love. So a little video to celebrate my coming out of hibernation on socials. Looking forward to the new season of all things arable plant and invert! #formerlyknownasweeds

Festive Chocolate Baileys Pinecones went down a treat with the squad today!

Nice find this week on a new site. Annual knawel. On the disturbed edges of a sandy track which is where I mainly find this beauty in Norfolk!

It has been a great garden year this year and I have been so lucky to be able to enjoy it. Still the gift that keeps on giving! And the #Spiders are loving it too!

Thanks for confirmation. Have to say they both led me on a bit of a merry dance but glad to have got there!

Unloaded a trap in a new location today. Adjacent to scrubby grassland. Do these look good for Flounced Chestnut and a Beaded Chestnut? Neither of which I have seen before! Oh & if anyone can ID my bonus 3rd moth all thoughts welcome! 🙂 @norfolkmoths.bsky.social

Today was mainly about hacking but you can't beat a bit of accidental spidering. Especially when it is a bogey species that you have been longing to see! At last a Nigma walckenaeri......(I hope!) #Sunday #Spider @britishspiders.bsky.social

Not exactly sure what I am doing with it all but I like the colours and have more than 2 apples!

An excellent day today focussed on Reptiles and Amphibians. Great bunch of folk from a range of organisations and backgrounds sharing learning, science, sitings and ENTHUSIASM. Really uplifting day in the world of conservation. Plus I got to see some great conservation pals as well!

And this Bordered Straw too...

Weather charts suggested migrant species may be on the cards. Seems they were not wrong. Clancy's Rustic, a new species for me in the trap this morning. @norfolkbutterflies.bsky.social @norfolknats.bsky.social

A small jumping spider

If #spiders were supermodels..........perfecting that middle distance look A/W 2025 ...Attulus Saltator..... @britishspiders.bsky.social

Whether or not it had a cunning plan was unclear.

Northumberland you have been amazing. As were my team mates & all the #mightyhikers for @macmillancancer and I what a finish too. Rain, sun, blisters, laughter and a dip in the North sea to ease the muscles. 27 miles in just over 8 hours. www.justgiving.com/page/emily-s...

A collage of reasons why no housework was done this evening. I subscribe to doing what brings you joy in life. In my case that is nature, horse riding, snorkelling or walking. Today was an underwater day, not a day for dusting. #ChalkReef #Snorkelling #NorthNorfolk

Today's award for the shyest spider.....Cyclosa conica. A fabulously conspicuous abdomen on a spider that is pretending you cannot see it. Swept from some newly created chalk grassland habitat which was alive with invertebrates and most of them #Spiders ❤️ @britishspiders.bsky.social

21.2miles. 28 degree heat. 5hrs 33 minutes. ALSO discovered (both impressively & alarmingly) I have walked the soles of my trainers so thin I now have a blister on the sole of my foot! Sponsor the blister here 👉 www.justgiving.com/page/emily-s...

Oooo like the bird idea. Thanks Jo!

My 50p dead stick from a supermarket has done good! Actual amount of apples present is about double this. Not 100% sure of variety.....something half way in between a cooker and an eater it seems. Recipe suggestions welcomed...............

Yes. That's exactly the sort of sentiment! Quite an exciting find though Golden Orioles!

Wow. Perhaps I wonder if it was one the team I was with or perhaps they have set up shop....exciting.

I wasn't expecting this one over the weekend in the #NewForest. Momentarily questioning my choices when I enthusiastically shouted out 'Praying Mantis' in the company of some great natural historians! Fortunately, it transpires I was right!! Mantis religiosa I believe. #Surprise #Naturalhistory

There is nothing I love more than spending time in nature with people who love nature. Taking joy in the simple beauty of life , like this lovely Common Blue butterfly.

Yes they are amazing and I don't think I will ever tire of seeing them. Saw my first one on a Surrey woodland about 15 years ago

When I first started working in conservation the odds of finding a Silver-washed Fritillary in Norfolk were next to nothing. 22 years later and most wooded sites and even some urban Norwich gardens are recording these.