Nature & Wildlife

Some of the bramble on the lane up to farm are beginning to ripen already. I always think its ironic how I spend hours carefully nurturing various fruit bushes in the garden while my favorite fruit grows wild and free on the side of the road. I always have to fight the urge not to run over raiders from the village who come up to pick them. I shouldn’t as there’s more than enough to go round.
My uncle John always told me that bramble leaves could be used to sooth a burn. Boiled up they’re also a good tonic for soar throats as well apparently. But be warned Uncle John used to tell me all sorts of rubbish like that.

I took this photo of some creatures living in our pond, but I have no idea what they are. I’m guessing that the dead animal being eaten is a smooth newt, but what are the other two? The shrimp like beastie on the right kept his tail on the surface of the water. It looked like he was breathing through it if that’s any help to anyone.
It is illegal to sell smooth newts under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Another revenue stream for the farm up the swanny, never mind.