I have had the pleasure of working for the Wildlife Trust BCN for a little over seven years now and, although excited for our new adventures in Scotland, am sad to be leaving. 

In these years I have met some wonderful people, learned so much about the wildlife right here on my doorstep in Central Beds and had a lot of fun spreading the word of the work of BCN in my patch. My last few months have been no different!

Developing the Tiny Creatures of the Big Hills Schools programme with Jane Lambourne of Wassledine was definitely a highlight. I have delivered this programme in a number of schools this term which is always a delight. Introducing children to species that live on the chalkhillls and watching them get excited about the plants and wildlife in their schools grounds is a thrill.

Since our last newsletter I have delivered a couple of 30 Days Wild assemblies to local schools, delivered a Tiny Creatures schools session to a lovely Year 3 class and visited two other schools for National Insect Week. Find out more about our Schools Programme in Bedfordshire below, at foot of the page

Our annual Creatures of the Night event has become a favourite of mine. This year was no different. Participants enjoyed a guided bat walk, looking for stunning glow worms and being dazzled by Totternhoe's array of moths. 

After a spot of mini-beast hunting and refreshments whilst waiting for dusk the group went off for a guided bat walk with Aidan and Rich. They detected a number of bats and were thrilled to have found glow worms on their walk. We ended the evening with a look at the moth traps with the Bedfordshire Moth Recorders Andy, Mel and their volunteers. 

A huge thank you to everyone who came along last week and to my volunteers and colleagues who helped make everything run smoothly.

Some of my proudest work days are when I get to spend them with the Bedfordshire Youth Rangers. What a wonderful group of young people they are! 

They come out in all weathers and work their socks off helping the reserves staff carry out various conservation management tasks across the county. 

The past few sessions have included bracken pulling at Cooper's Hill and Flitwick Moor and in July we were treated to a guided walk around Totternhoe with Cambridge PhD student and WTBCN Trustee Matt Hayes. He was telling us about his research work and updating us on the Banking on Butterflies project. Despite the weather we saw five species of butterfly and came away having learnt a lot - thank you Matt!

I would also like to thank volunteer Nigel who helped me run the Bedfordshire Youth Rangers for a number of years and to the reserves staff for giving of your time and expertise to provide worthwhile wildlife conservation experience to our young people. 

Thank you too to all of the incredible young people who have attended Youth Ranger sessions over the years, your enthusiasm and dedication are an inspiration and I wish you all the very best in whatever you go to do. We must also thank your parents who drive you across the county each month. Thanks everyone.