Hi there, Wednesday readers

Over the weekend, I had an impromptu rockpool hop with my husband. It's been a while. I stood there breathing in that delicious salty air, trying not to break an ankle in my totally inappropriate shoes and just asked myself why it had taken me so long to get back out to the coastline. We only spent about 45 minutes there, most of that with a lovely octopus we found, but it was so good for my soul and I realised just how much I've been missing my usual micro adventures. So much so, that I'm planning on a lunchtime dash to the pools again today.

I also got to spend some time with our local temporary bat camp, which has really increased its numbers recently. These animals are a threatened species and super important for the ecosystem. I chatted to bat carer Janine Davies as to the possible reasons for the huge population this season.

Even though we've had a bit of sun recently, there's a definite chill in the air that is setting my fungi-hunting senses all a-tingle. We've got some tips and some resources to get you out there looking for these amazing organisms too. Merilyn warns us not to let English ivy grow up trees, fences or anywhere high – this is how it spreads. Emma introduces snake vine and its lovely yellow flowers have me hoping that the sun lasts just that little bit longer.

Until next week,

Amanda

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