Click on the link to send in your sightings info@foteb.org.uk to help us monitor Emm Brook wildlife.This type of ‘citizen science’ allows us to get a clearer picture of what is happening along the Emm.

For previous months sightings see Archive

The "Area Seen" refers to the 11 sections that the Brook has been split into for monitoring purposes (see Wildlife page under Monitoring ).

For what you can expect to see on the Emm this month, click here September

All sightings unless stated are from personal observations by Eddie Napper.

Click on any picture to see a larger image

October 2025

What is this life if full of care , we have no time to stand and stare.

 Leisure - W. H. Davies.

Birds

02/10/25 Grey Wagtail A Mistle Thrush was seen in the Area 10 Car Park field by Nick Kightley and 2 Grey Wagtail in front of the Activity Centre seen by Alan Jackman. In the Emm Brook at Ripplestream Bridge in Area 4 was a Grey Wagtail .

01/10/25 In Area 7A seen in Ashridge Meadows by Paul O' Neill were 3 Meadow Pipit a Green Woodpecker and a male and female Stonechat alongside Ashridge Stream at the entrance to the meadows . A female Tawny Owl was heard calling in Area 4 at 20:30.

Insects

03/10/25 As the forecast was for overnight rain , only the patio light was on in my Area 4 garden overnight on 02/10/25 and the wall behind it was checked for moths this morning . Last nights catch was 9 moth's of 8 species. Unfortunately no highlights. With no new moth species added ,the total for 2025 is still 286 species. Following inspection and recording/photographing anything caught was released.

02/10/25 Common Darter Seen soaking up a brief bit of sun in the Area 10 Car Park field was a male Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum dragonfly. This is one of the smaller dragonflies. The male is orange-red but becoming brown with age.

01/10/25 Green-brindled Crescent The moth-trap, was out in my Area 4 garden overnight on 30/09/25 and emptied this morning . Last nights catch was 7 moth's of 4 species. Black Rustic Highlight were a Green-brindled Crescent Allophyes oxyacanthae and a Black Rustic Aporophyla nigra . With 2 new moth species added ,the total for 2025 is now 286 species. Following inspection and recording/photographing anything caught was released.

Plants/ Trees

Every year the leaves on the trees and hedgerows change colour from green to a yellow/gold before falling , find out why at Why do leaves change colour .

02/10/25 Water Mint Still in flower in the Area 4 Balancing pond is Water Mint Mentha Aquatica.

01/10/25 Acorns Have you noticed a bumper crop of acorns this year? You’re not alone – it seems that across the UK, Oak trees are having what’s known as a mast year. The bountiful harvest is a clever strategy to ensure the future generation of oak trees and it’s welcome food for wildlife too. For more information click on the link Acorns

Fungi/ Lichen

Reptiles

Fish

Mammals

Squirell Making the most of the bumper crop of tree fruits this year are Squirell Sciurus carolinensis . This one was seen in Area 4.

Molluscs