Our ecologist Martin reports that for the second time, what’s almost certainly a Little Owl pellet has been found on a gatepost in the Cornfield. Characteristically, it’s full of beetle wing cases. However, as far as we know, no-one has ever reported seeing this day-flying, insect-eating owl at Rawcliffe Meadows.

Also in the Cornfield, a couple of immature Yellowhammers have been present since August. Whilst not definite proof of local breeding, this is a hopeful sign. For some years we’ve been planting Gorse in gaps in the Cornfield boundary hedge in the hope of enticing wintering Linnets and Yellowhammers to stay and nest.