Friday afternoon and the chance to test out my new lens (135-400mm Sigma for any camera buffs out there). Managed to photograph several Speckled Wood butterfies and this Small Tortoiseshell before my camera battery died. It’s the first time that has happened and serves me right for not charging up the battery.

At the end of a morning working on a new website, I chanced a lunchtime walk as the sun was out. The warmth has brought the Painted Ladies out, busily feeding on thistles before they migrate to North Africa for the winter. The trees are just beginning to change colour and it will soon be my favourite season. I love the blaze of autumn colours and crisp, crunchy leaves underfoot.