Things you never see anymore

[Flamey]

On 01/06/2026 at 09:52, Trav Le Bleu said:

Thrushes occasionally (redwings in winter) but the only birds of prey I see here are red kites and sparrowhawks. Never even heard an owl round here, are urban owls common?

Probably not common ..but I was surprised by one landing on my fence a few nights before posting so they were on my mind!  I hear them often round here (nr Ashby) but I don't actually see them very often. Amazing creatures. 🙌🏼

[DJW1]

15 hours ago, The Bear said:

Have you ever been around Heather (just outside Ibstock) when they do those stuffed guys that they all put out on their fronts? And people walk round the estate looking at them. No idea what it's about but I used to drive home from work that way and they had it every year. 

Is that for Bonfire Night? Perhaps I´ll drive over for a look. 

I see Sence Valley Forest Park and Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve are near Heather and Ibstock. Anyone ever been?