Willow Emerald at Alton Flood meadows 12 September 2022

 A somewhat better photo...

And common darter...

Alton Flood Meadows 3 September 2022 - Willow Emerald damselfly.

Dragonflies of any description in Alton are decidedly scarce, bar some moderate numbers of Demoiselles along the way.

Common Darters are not that surprising...

But Willow Emerald damselfly are quite exceptional. This is a recent colonist in the UK - they only really arrived in numbers in UK in 2009. There have been relatively few records for Hampshire before this year. The British Dragonfly Society website tells the full story here:

https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/recording/willow-emerald-watch/

I found four of these including a pair in-cop. 

I apologise for the ropey quality of the pictures - but they confirm the key things to distinguish from the more common Emerald Damselfly. 

Also present - The hoverfly Helophilus Pendulus

Alton Natural History Society walk from the Wellington Statue towards Caesar's Camp, 4 September 2022

 A fascinating walk focused on plants and geology. 

This slug and mushroom is awaiting ID.

Garden Spider

There seems to be a huge crop of acorns this year. In addition to the regular Pedunculate Oak, the introduced Turkey Oak was also found. A number of galls including Knopper Gall - particularly large, made by the Gall Wasp Andricus quercuscalicis.

After we split from the main walk we headed up towards Caesar's Camp proper but did not reach the top. Once the rain had passed the sun appeared and so did some butterflies:

11 or more Grayling

2 Small Heath

1 Speckled Wood.

But overall the day was very quiet for insects and birds.