When I bumped in to a fellow birder / amateur naturalist at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park ten days ago, we were both wondering why there was no frog or toad spawn in the dipping pond, where it’s usually a regular occurrence. Yesterday, after another chance meeting with some fellow nature enthusiasts, I learned the reasons for the absence: they had witnessed a woman and her daughter scooping up as much as possible to take home – an act both selfish and illegal in a public park; and they’d also seen a man throw a ball in to the pond for his dog to fetch, another incredibly selfish and stupid act. Sometimes I despair of people, their selfishness and their ignorance of the natural world around them.

So, you can probably imagine my delight today when I spotted this large clump of frog spawn at a local nature reserve, though, sadly, many dog owners also allow their dogs to splash about in this pond so I’m not sure how long these tadpoles-in-the-making will endure. I’ll be checking back again soon.