Road verges are a vital refuge for wildflowers driven out of farmland. In turn, wildflowers support birds, bees and other wildlife. Wild plant conservation charity Plantlife wants to see road verges managed better while remaining safe for motorists. Not only can this be done – it could save money for local councils too. Sign the petition now

There are certain points in the year that mark turning points - the first Swallow of summer for example. The first orchid of the year is also memorable. more 

We know that people all over the UK use NatureSpot to identify plants and animals that they have seen, which is great. You're probably aware that NatureSpot is a citizen science charity which collects wildlife records from Leicestershire and Rutland, but what happens next  - what do we do with all that information?
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Buglife, the invertebrate conservation organization, has launched a new survey during National Invasive Species Week looking at the origins and potential hazards of imported bedding plants - PotWatch. 
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Eagle-eyed NatureSpotters tracked down the elusive Daffodil Fly (Norellia spinipes) but we could do with more records from other parts of the county. Now all we have to find the rest of the target species on our list! 

Beechmast Candlesnuff (Xylaria carpophila) is easy to overlook. The fruiting body consists of 1 mm thick black threads with white spore bearing tips. It's fairly common, but it only grows on decaying beechmast. A month ago we had no records of this species on NatureSpot, but logic dictated it must be present in VC55, so we put out a call. And now we have nine records from five different recorders in less than a month! And then we thought - why stop there? So we need your help. 

All verified records submitted to NatureSpot go into the national iRecord database. This fascinating video shows where and when the 365,000 observations to iRecord were made during the year 2016.

As we prepare for the clocks to go forward, we say farewell to our winter visitors. It's been a great winter for birding in VC55 (Leicestershire & Rutland). 
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The Golden Shelled Slug has been found in Leicestershire for only the second time and 30 years after the only previous record. Saharima Roenisch discovered this spectacular slug at Welford Road Cemetery where the rich soil probably suits its underground lifestyle feeding on earthworms. This slug is particularly unusual as it is one of a small group that retain a tiny vestigial shell at the end of its body. Read more.

With spring around the corner we can expect better weather  - but wait, is that road verge coated with snow? Let's hope not! What is that froth of tiny white flowers along the edge of the road? NatureSpot News is here to help. 
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One of the great things about NatureSpot is that anyone can join in and add to our knowledge of wildlife in Leicestershire and Rutland (VC55). However, before you can submit a record you do need to be able to identify what you have seen. For some familiar groups this is relatively easy, but others are more challenging. Take Springtails - they are one of our commonest invertebrates and can be found almost everywhere, but we know very little about the Springtails of VC55. They are small - some are truly tiny at less than 1mm long, but they are also unfamiliar to most people. That's where NatureSpot can help you.

Re-engagement with Britain's natural history has never been more urgent. Young people need the skills to name, observe, monitor and record wildlife. It is vital to understand the contribution nature makes to our lives physically, culturally, emotionally and scientifically both in the past and today. An Government online petition is collecting support for to Develop a GCSE in Natural History.

2016 was another record year for NatureSpot, with the growth seen in previous years continuing. There were increases in the number of records submitted, the number of recorders, visitors to the website and the species profiled. Read the 2016 Annual Report here.

NatureSpot is run by volunteers who all share an interest in local wildlife. Would you like to join us? There are many different tasks that would suit people with varying time to offer and different skills and interests. Have a look at some of the ways you could help and get in touch if you are interested. Volunteering for NatureSpot.

Currently over 80 volunteers across Leicestershire are monitoring moths in their gardens, but there is a gap in coverage in Market Harborough and the north eastern part of Harborough District. Could you help? Read more.

If you missed Adrian Russell's recent presentation summarising the finds and status of moths in Leicestershire and Rutland based on the 2015 records - you can view the slides on the Leicester Moth Recorders page.

The January edition of the Leicestershire Entomological Society newsletter is available for viewing or download - see the LES page.

2015 was a very successful year for NatureSpot with an increase in records, species and visitors. Thanks to all of you who contributed. View the 2015 Annual Report.

An otter was recently found dead inside a crayfish trap near to Leicester, unfortunately not a unique incident. All crayfish traps have to approved by the Environment Agency. If you find a trap without an EA tag, please call the free hotline 0800 80 70 60.

The latest Leicestershire Entomological Society newsletter is now available to view on the LES page. Also available is a report on the Dung Beetles of Priory Water by Frank Clark and Tony Cook.