They are unmistakable, but rarely recorded - however we have had three new sightings this year so far. More...

These are the sexual generation galls caused by the gall-wasp Andricus quercusramuli, and form on male oak catkins in early summer.   Inside each ball of "cottonwool" is a cluster of cells each with its own developing gall larva.  Look upwards in oak trees - it helps to have binoculars, and a good zoom camera.  Although they are usually high in the crown of oak trees, a spectacular find at Bagworth Country Park of dozens in a small oak tree suggests it is worth looking around.  More records would be welcome!