July 2026

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_32d63f40f8be4fdfb3b5c37301a48732/480p/mp4/file.mp4

There has been almost no rain for the past 2 months and our new pond is rapidly drying up. This stop-motion video from the start of May shows how quickly the water levels have dropped.

We have captured lots of videos, both around the pond and along the stream showing animals searching for water.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_6d6bf4e2701e44eb9d4a2fe969453dcd/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

The pond is usually fenced off, but knowing that animals need access to the water I opened the gate. It enabled this lovely baby Roe Deer access the diminishing water source.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_bc7a8a3b6d03459982a7f6de51793ffd/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

  A sleek young fox scouting for something to eat.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_8126304b8eb64503803bc165b1088fe1/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Got to feel for this poor female deer. All she wanted was a drink and she just can’t shake the interest from this insistent buck. Keep watching because at about 12 seconds in you see him pursue her around the far end of the pond. He continued doing this for about 20 minutes, although their rate gradually slowed as they both became tired and eventually, I assume, his ardour melted away.

Back in March I shared some videos of the Mandarin Ducks ‘raiding’ the poor nest of the Stock Doves who had taken over the Owl box. July proved to be an equally exciting time for the poor doves.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_1a5ac5dd6c9b4c5e8828ceba0b1844dc/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

First there was this interesting exchange between the Great Spotted Woodpecker and the Dove. I actually don’t think the woodpecker had any interest whatsoever in the next box, she was just after some bugs under the tree bark. However, the dove isn’t taking any chances!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_def33675a7a34336ad9f0d2098729358/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

A few days later however a big buzzard, like a proper Disney cartoon villain, arrived and started showing interest in the nest, clearly sensing prey!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_80fb15e7d5ed4e28a77426285a96c9b9/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Having sensed the vulnerable doves the buzzard does everything it can to access the nest. However, it just can’t position itself successfully and abandons. Imagine how terrifying this must have been for the poor doves!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_846c058f836f49398f7a4b3d309db339/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

It took another 4 hours for the doves to gain sufficient composure to come back out of the box. They are ok. For now at least!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_85afecf88bc949cea4d7670c291cd54a/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Over at our pond in Mount Wood there is currently still lots of water. This Heron has made this log its regular hunting perch. I love how it appears to come and show the camera its newt-lunch.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_b51d09e9439d4f208bd1ba34319b2156/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Here is a very cute baby fox proving without doubt that falling off a log really is very easy.

As part of our programme of supporting local schools we hosted Sharp Shots Photo Club and the Thomas Bennet School. Sharp Shots delivered Lens on the Landscape, an Arts Council-funded programme providing free photography workshops for schoolchildren from underserved communities across Crawley District. The aim of the project is to help young people develop photography skills, build confidence, and connect with the natural environment.

Here are some of the brilliant photos from the day:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Led by photographer and educator Lillian Spibey, Sharp Shots provided all equipment, ensuring the workshops were accessible to all participants. Through practical photography sessions, pupils explored camera techniques while learning about local landscapes, wildlife, and heritage. A selection of the images created by the pupils will be exhibited at Crawley Museum in November 2026.

By removing barriers to participation, Lens on the Landscape encouraged creativity, self-expression, and a lasting appreciation of the natural world. Aspect is delighted to support this brilliant project. For more details on Sharp Shots visit: https://sharpshotsphotoclub.co.uk/lens-on-the-landscape-crawley/ 

Continuing the theme of supporting local schools, on Sept 11/12^th we will be hosting 120 Year 7 pupils from The Gatwick School for their annual ‘Night Under the Stars’ event. This is a great event, and is an exciting moment for the children, partly because they are in their first year (first few weeks actually) at senior school, and partly because many will have had limited experience of ecology and nature.

If you would like to get involved, either on the day(s) or in helping prepare the site before the pupils arrive please let me know. As a potential incentive I can offer you local Aspect Nature Reserve Honey and the opportunity to harvest some ripe Sloes for home made magnificent sloe gin.

Finally, I am delighted to announce that we will be hosting a Bat Trapping night on Friday August 28^th. Supported by our local bat expert, Martyn Cooke, this will be a terrific night, suitable for all ages. Last year we held three bat trapping nights, this year there will probably only be this single night, so make sure you don’t miss out! Our hope is to trap a rare Bechstein bat (nationally incredibly rare, but we know we have a roost nearby so not quite so rare for us at Aspect)

Here is a Bechstein bat we trapped last year

The event is suitable for all ages, whether you are 6 or 86!

Home made Sloe Gin

See you next month