The speaker at the March general meeting was wildlife film-maker Simon Watts who showcased his recent work in filming animals that are hard to locate or see.

The first subject was a small, fast and nocturnal mammal. Capturing footage involved setting up equipment in the evening and collecting the next morning having baited the site with chestnuts and blackberries. The wood mouse so filmed was clearly using all of its senses and as Simon explained such creatures are built to hide and evade and that infact predators have a low success rate.

The second creature was a daytime creature was sought after some suspicious rustling in a bramble bush. Initially thought to be a shrew, the camera actually captured a bank vole. This involved baiting with mealworms in bacon fat for the optimal desirable smell.

The final elusive animal was the water rail, a wading bird that hides among the reed beds and has a very distinctive 'pig-squeal' call. This was caught using a motion triggered trail camera left for 3 weeks.

The films remind us that even in land close to the city there is a variety of wildlife going about its own hidden business.

The meeting closed with tea and a chance to donate to the Myton Appeal for some delicious slices of cake.