As it was National Insect Week, the Maxwells at Marlborough Road hosted a mothtrap on the nights of 26 and 27 June. On the first night they recorded 56 different species of moth, one of which could not be identified. On 27th they recorded 63 different species, one of which, a privet hawkmoth, about 3″ long with beautiful black and pink striped underwings. Over the two nights 71 species were recorded, one of which was a Rosy Marbled, which has only been seen in Wiltshire once before in 1984. So we feel very happy to have seen such exciting moths over only two nights. For more info on moth counting contact John Muggleton on 01722 741487.

The same household has seen several slow worms this year, two of which were brought in by the cat, and were returned to their natural habitat unharmed.

We have had excess plants from the greenhouse this year, which have been put outside the house for people to take. All have disappeared.

We saved seeds at the end of last summer and have swapped them with friends and neighbours – so doing away with costly seed buying and the F1Hybrid horror.

Janet Maxwell