I’ve been so enjoying my pond this summer. There are masses of tadpoles. As I look out of my studio window, the surface shimmers as the pop to the surface for a mouthful of air. I got a picture of one breathing, below.

I love the way they turn belly up to breathe. Also on this picture is something new and unidentified. If I get to close is spirals down to the bottom of the pond at great speed – it then floats back up to the surface just a s fast. It’s hard to see by eye, but from the blown-up picture it looks like it has a springy tail.

This lot look happy enough. There are shrimps or lice (not sure which) and a snail or two.

The pond attracts other wildlife, some of which like to see what I’m up to. This large red Damsel Fly came into the studio yesterday to have a look around.Â