Badgers...

I went badger-watching on Saturday. It was absolutely brilliant - at one point there were seven badgers, all foraging within a few feet of the hide. I also saw a buzzard and a hare. Watching wildlife for real is so much better than seeing it on TV - you never know what will happen next. You could be the very first person ever to see something completely new! The place I went to has a website - see here

Creative writing courses

I'm going to be teaching two writing courses in the summer holidays.

From Monday 27th July to Friday 31st July I'll be teaching a general creative writing class for kids aged 10+ at The Malden Centre, in Surrey. For more information telephone 020 8336 7770.

From Monday 3rd to Friday 7th August I'll be teaching a fantasy writing course in Kingston. For details, click here THIS COURSE IS FREE!!!

These classes are great fun - see you there!

And here's the missus...

It's been quite a nice summer for snakes so far. Here's a female adder, sunning herself.

For those in the area, I shall be teaching a children's creative writing course at The Malden Centre, KT3 4TA, from Monday 27th July to Friday 31st July, from 10 - 12 each morning. Phone: 0208 336 7770.

I wonder if this would look nice on the nest...

There are dozens of baby sparrows in the garden, being fed by both mum and dad. This goldfinch caught my eye, as it inspected the lawn for either breakfast, or suitable nesting material. I do think they're one of our prettiest birds.

Not too bothered...

This fox didn't even move out of the way when I walked past! I saw a pair of roe deer yesterday, but unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me. This was a pity, as once I stood absolutely still they became quite curious.

Spring's here!

The adders are back... They've woken up after the winter, they've shed their skins and they're full of attitude!

Even more snow...

I have just got back from Krakow, in Poland. The gold-domed roof on the right can be seen at Wawel Castle, where there is a terrific armoury with all sorts of swords and shields and cannons. I also spent a day in Zakopane, in the mountains, where there was four metres of snow! It was extremely beautiful.

And hello to Harlands School, where I'll be on Monday. Let's hope the weather's a bit kinder, although I do like snowballs and snowmen and sledging and skating and ski-ing... have you noticed that most of the words connected with snow begin with an S?